Photos: National Western’s MLK Jr. Rodeo Celebrates African Americans In The West

220112-NATHANIEL-MINOR220112-NATHANIEL-MINOR
By Nathaniel Minor
· Jan. 17, 2017, 5:35 am
Photo: MLK Rodeo 1 | Falling off(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
A cowboy falls off a horse during the bare-back riding competition at the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.

For one day at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, the spotlight shines on the West's African-American cowboys and cowgirls during the MLK Jr. Rodeo. State Sen. Rhonda Fields and Denver City Councilor Albus Brooks were among the hundreds who cheered on barrel racers, ropers, bulldoggers and bull riders at the event on Monday.

"This was on my bucket list," said Janet Davis, who made the trip from Wisconsin for the show. "I'm loving it."

Photo: MLK Rodelo 2 | Brianna Weston(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Brianna Weston watches the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 4 | Lasso(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
A cowboy lassoes a steer during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 5 | Steer Undecorating(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Carolyn Carter of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, holds a ribbon over her head during the steer undecorating competition during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 6 | Tiffanie Carter(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Tiffanie Carter rides her horse during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 7 | Riding Horse(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
A cowboy rides his horse during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo | Averrie Blend(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Averrie Blend of Denver watches the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 8 | Dirty boots(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
A spectator sports a pair of well-worn cowboy boots during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 9 | Young rider(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
A young cowboy competes in barrel racing during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 10 | Janet Davis(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Janet Davis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin cheers during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. "This is a bucket list item," Davis said. "I'm loving it."
Photo: MLK Rodeo 11 | Ida and Gene(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Ida Jeffrey and her friend Gene Johnson of Aurora, Colorado, watch the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 12 | Bull Riding Justin Granger(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Justin Granger of Tuba City, Arizona rides a bull during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 13 | Bull RIding Tyson Tsinajinnie(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Tyson Tsinajinnie falls off a bull during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Photo: MLK Rodeo 14 | Waving(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)
Cowboys and cowgirls salute the audience during the MLK Jr. Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.

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