THE RODEO RECORD

I recently had the pleasure of working on a project called ‘The Rodeo Record’ with one of my dearest friends Jakian Parks. Jakian is a photographer based in Oklahoma City who has a unique way of capturing black existence. Jakian and I met years ago when I lived in OKC. I discovered him on social media and we did some work together. We’ve been inseparable ever since! Although Jakian is young in age, he has such an old and genuine soul. He holds a beautiful balance of responsibility and jollification. I’ve never met anyone like him before. He inspires me because he is so committed to his craft in a way that shows he was put here to do this. The artists that influence me the most are the ones who are savages about their work - and he is exactly that.

I also have a deep love for Oklahoma City as I lived there for three years. I was pregnant with my son there, and heavily immersed into the community. Oklahoma City is such a small place that it’s easy to get to know people and move around the area quickly. As small as OKC is, there are many wonderful creatives who have such a unique approach to art and individuality. This is why it was a no brainer for me to write for TRR.

The Rodeo Record is a project focused primarily on the black ‘oklahomian’ cowboy experience. Within the team, we created a space where the black rodeo is showcased to others in a conversational way. Being a Texan, cowboy life is not new to me. Growing up I felt very in touch with the country aspect of blackness and the many ways we cultivate the land. Many black folks from other areas are unaware of how prevaleant cowboys are in our history. As a writer, it felt important to collaborate with Jakian because we need things to be written in our ‘language’. Writing for this project felt instinctive, although it was research based and cumbersome at times. Writing about blackness never gets old to me. It was also very refreshing to interview cowboys and wear my journalist hat. Interviews are one of my favorite writing genres.

Jakian continues to serve as a pillar for the rodeo community as a commemoration of his aunt who passed. She introduced him to that life and it continues through the community which is ‘The Oklahoma Cowboys’. To say that I am proud is an understatement, and I am so happy it is now shared with the world.

Graphics designer: @colinmoran_ Creative Development: @youllsea