In a momentous occasion for the world of rodeo, Kortnee Solomon, then 11 years old, etched her name in history by competing at the first nationally televised Black rodeo.
Hailing from a lineage deeply rooted in Texas cowgirl tradition, young Kortnee competed in the 2021 Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which partnered with Professional Bull Riders to host the groundbreaking Showdown in Vegas.
The event showcased the prowess of Black cowboys and cowgirls on a grand stage.
Kortnee Solomon, a fourth-generation Texas cowgirl, is no stranger to the saddle. With a mother, Kanesha Jackson, who boasts 11 invitational championships, and a father, Cory Solomon, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tie-down roper, Kortnee’s upbringing has been immersed in the rich heritage of rodeo culture.
Her grandmother, Stephanie Haynes, a revered figure in the rodeo community, and her late grandfather, Sedgwick Haynes, have instilled in her a passion for the sport from a tender age.
At just 5 years old, Kortnee made her debut at the Bill Pickett Rodeo, signaling the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Since then, she has clinched several championships, showcasing her talent in the ladies’ barrel and junior breakaway events.
Her participation in the Showdown in Vegas not only marked a personal milestone but also made history as the first nationally televised Black rodeo.
For Kortnee, rodeo is not merely a sport but a way of life—a celebration of community, culture, and heritage. Together with her mother, she tends to their horses in Hempstead, Texas, fostering a deep bond with these majestic animals.
Despite her dedication to rodeo, Kortnee’s childhood is balanced with other interests, including dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, and basketball.
The invitational CEO, Valeria Cunningham, expressed profound pride in witnessing young talents like Kortnee carry forward the legacy of Black rodeo.
For Cunningham, the journey of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo spans 37 years of striving to illuminate the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the Western legacy.
As Kortnee continues to shine in the arena, she epitomizes resilience, determination, and boundless potential. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring riders and a testament to the enduring spirit of Black rodeo.
Last year, her remarkable story was featured in an article that highlighted the overlooked history of the Black cowboy.
