The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum announces a new special exhibition, Black Cowboys: An American Story, running from October 9, 2026 to April 18, 2027. This powerful experience explores the lives and work of enslaved and free Black men, women and children who labored on Texas ranches and participated in cattle drives from before the Civil War through the turn of the 20th century.
A traveling exhibition, Black Cowboys: An American Story was created and developed by the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas. It illuminates the pivotal yet often overlooked role of Black cowboys in shaping the American frontier. Comprising one in four cowboys on the trail, these skilled horsemen, lawmen and entrepreneurs helped drive Texas’ economic growth.
Visitors can explore a curated collection of personal artifacts, photographs and more. The exhibition bridges history with the present, honoring the grit and legacy of those who defined the West and continue to inspire American culture.
Exploring evolving roles
“Black Cowboys: An American Story is a powerful exhibition that brings to life the remarkable men, women and children who played a vital role in shaping the American West despite facing immense adversity,” said Mary Pat Higgins, president and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. “By bringing these too-often overlooked stories to North Texas, we hope visitors of all ages leave with a deeper appreciation of the American West’s history, and an understanding of how expanding our view of our shared past can challenge assumptions and help us better understand one another today.”
Visitors will discover how Black cowboys trained horses, tended livestock and rode on the trail with thousands of cattle. Over time, their roles evolved as they used skills learned on the ranch and trail in many ways. These included establishing their own ranches, serving as lawmen, riding in rodeos, becoming singers and performing in movies.
The legacy of the Black cowboy has inspired new generations to explore the past through music, film, fashion and design.
Honoring ‘Mr. Black Rodeo’
Unique to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is a special section honoring the late Cleo Hearn. The Lancaster, Texas, horseman passed away in 2025. This section celebrates his lifelong dedication to reclaiming the place of Black cowboys in the West.
Hearn was the co-founder of the American Black Cowboy Association and the founder of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo. He was known as “Mr. Black Rodeo.” The display showcases some of his personal artifacts. Included are a prize saddle, boots, spurs and photographs that bring his remarkable legacy to life.
“The individual stories of Black cowboys, illustrating courage in the face of discrimination, skill, despite great odds, and success through generations as ranchers and leaders in their field are powerful,” noted Michelle Everidge, Ph.D., CEO and president of the Witte Museum, which organized the exhibition. “The Witte Museum was privileged to work closely with an outstanding steering committee and advisors, including community leaders, scholars and Black cowboys and ranchers, to create this unparalleled exhibition, which reveals what life was like for Black cowboys during this time.”
Supporters and ticketing
The exhibition is presented by Bank of America and generously supported by the John L. Santikos Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, H-E-B and the Ed Rachal Foundation.
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum extends its gratitude to the Jean Baptiste “Tad” Adoue III Fund of the Dallas Foundation for its support. It also thanks American Airlines, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, H-E-B/Central Market and NFI Industries for their generous contributions.
Black Cowboys: An American Story will run October 9-April 18 at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. To reserve tickets, visit dhhrm.org/black-cowboys-an-american-story.
About the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum teaches the history of the Holocaust. It also advances human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference. Founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivors, the Museum serves as an educational center for the community.
Through powerful exhibitions, engaging programs and grade-appropriate resources, the Museum inspires students and visitors to become Upstanders who make a positive difference. Visit DHHRM.org or call (214) 741-7500 for more information.