The Wild Wild West featured Black, white, Native American, and Mexican cowboys. But you wouldn't know that from watching American Western films.
In fact, historians say that one in four cowboys were African American.
"Hollywood played a
major part in dismissing the role of black cowboys. In 99% of Western
cowboy films, there is no black cowboy. America was a divided
country -- segregation -- Hollywood played their part down. Compare
Clint Eastwood or John Wayne to the black cowboys. It just doesn't fit
the image. Black cowboy. A hero." Filmmakers John Ferguson and Gregg MacDonald hope to counter this with "The Forgotten Cowboys", a documentary, which follows contemporary Black cowboys competing in modern-day rodeos. Cowboys like Jason Griffin, who won the worldwide bareback competition four times.
In fact, historians say that one in four cowboys were African American.
