Carolyn Carter was 22 the first time she ever got on a horse. She happened to be visiting her sister who happened to have fallen wildly in love with a handsome cowboy and then married him, but Carolyn never had any dreams of becoming an avid horsewoman, let alone a champion barrel racer. “I was hooked,” said the woman who juggles being a nurse, mom, grandmother, business woman, event promoter, and so much more. She hails from Oklahoma, and last week came to Athens City Hall along with WAAY 31’s Dion Hose to promote the first annual Juneteenth Rodeo in Limestone County, and to go tour the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena where the event will take place.
The Juneteenth Rodeo Celebration has taken place in Huntsville for the last seven years, and this is the first time there has been a rodeo planned for our area. Carolyn spent years working for well-known rodeo producer Bill Pickett, and has produced for the three largest Black rodeo associations in America. As far as Carolyn’s champion events were concerned, barrel racing and steer undecorating were her best. The first time Carolyn competed was in Washington, D.C., and she took home $900. “I was told to hang on,” she told me with a laugh, and back in 1985, going home with $900 helped a lot with raising two daughters. The whole family has gone on to be fine riders and competitors, and Carolyn beams with pride when she talks about them.
Carolyn has numerous accolades to show for her years of competition, all of which include buckles, saddles, and of course, cash. Her focus has since changed to bringing in the next generation. The 4th generation of Black cowgirls includes her granddaughter Jay, her great niece Amora and now her great granddaughter, 2-year-old Paisley Rae.
Carolyn’s rodeo partner Dean Osborne, a calf roper also from Oklahoma, persuaded her that they could produce rodeos and do it better than some of the other promoters. Dean’s belief was based on the fact that they were both actual rodeo athletes and knew what rodeo cowboys were attracted to. Carolyn handles the front end and production of the event while Dean handles the back side dealing with stock, equipment, and manpower.
African American cowboys have been an important part of American history, most notably because of the Buffalo Soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. Their nickname came from Native Americans who were reminded of the curly hair of buffalo, and most importantly, their fierceness in battle. The Buffalo Soldiers were also known for their courageous service. The Midwest Invitational Rodeo folks saw an opportunity to bring true Black rodeo to communities who don’t typically get to see black cowboys. Their past cities visited include Detroit MI, Bakersfield CA, Huntsville AL, Tulsa OK, and Marietta GA. Now they are adding Athens, Alabama, to the schedule after being asked to participate in the city’s 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration. This will be the first year for the city to celebrate this national holiday with a rodeo.
The rodeo itself is a one-day event, and will be held on June 21. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m. Like the annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo, it will be held rain or shine, and it is an invitational rodeo, meaning that you need to apply to be accepted to ride. To do so, you can go to the Midwest Black Rodeo Facebook page to get the info re: participating in the event.
There will be an open relay race for all local riding clubs, that will involve a three-man team in uniform. For the main event, there will be a number of competitive categories. They are:
· Ranch Bronc Riding
· Tie-Down Calf Roping
· Ladies’ Barrel Racing
· Steer Wrestling
· Bull Riding
· Relay Race
· Junior Events
The total purse is $7500 dollars, and there will be $5 parking on the grounds. Proceeds from parking go to Have-i-Hope, which is a non-profit that gets at-risk kids and horses connected, and also does horse rescue. Concessions will also be available.
Another feature of this year’s Juneteenth Rodeo is the performance of the Willow Wind Riding Drill Team, and this group hails from Ardmore. They are under the direction of Zoe Smith.
One thing that the rodeo organizers are emphasizing is that the tickets are ONLY available at their site, through the use of the QR code, or by calling 256-665-2397. There have been attempts by scammers to appear to be agents of the rodeo, so please be use the above points of contact to secure your tickets. Pre-sold tickets are $20, and tickets at the gate are $25. Save the date, and don’t be late! There is a family-friendly event waiting for you and your family on June 21. See you there!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
June 6, 2025
