2001 Southwestern Rodeo Tour Kicks Off

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WHAT: Five city Cowboys of Color Invitational Rodeo Tour

WHEN & WHERE: June 23, 2001 – San Antonio Joe Freeman Coliseum July 14, 2001 – Austin Travis County Expo Center August 11-12, 2001 – Houston Farm & Ranch Club September 1, 2001 – Fort Worth Will Rogers Coliseum November 10-11, 2001 – Mesquite Championship Resistol Arena, National Finals

WHO: Over 300 African American, Hispanic, European and Native American cowboys and cowgirls compete for cash prizes in traditional rodeo events:steer wrestling, bronc busting, calf roping, ladies barrel racing and wild bull riding. We will also have junior calf roping and junior barrel racing (boys and girls 16 and under).

ENTERTAINERS: Texas Buffalo Soldiers, Mexican Trick Roping, Nite Rider Drill Team,Charro Mexican Bull Riders, Indian Ceremonial Dancers, and La Estrella Drill Team

COST: Tickets can be purchased on the website at www.cowboysofcolor.org or by calling (817) 922-9999. Ticket prices vary by location but range from $18 for Box Seats to $10 for General Admission seats. Groups of 20 or more receive a $2 discount on General Admission tickets.

WHY: Raise funds for the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame,housed in the Renaissance Cultural Center of Fort Worth. The Renaissance Cultural Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes cultural diversity and higher education for youth.

"There's not a day that I wake up that I'm not glad to be a cowboy. Rodeo has been good to me and my family and we want to give something back. Cowboys of Color Rodeos allow us to educate the audience and help young ethnic cowboys and cowgirls gain skills in their chosen event, "said Cleo Hearn, Rodeo Producer and 42-year Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association member.

HISTORY: Largest ethnic rodeo in the country. This fast-paced action packed rodeo entertains and educates the audience about "forgotten cowboys". Thirty percent of wranglers, ranch hands and cowboys in the Old West were minorities and we celebrate their contributions to our collective western heritage.

SPEAKERS/ INTERVIEWS: Rodeo Producer, Cleo Hearn; Founder - Renaissance Cultural Center, James Austin; Executive Director - Renaissance Cultural Center, Gloria Austin; Kenneth Pollard, Texas Buffalo Soldier and Texas Park and Wildlife Program Coordinator; Rodeo Publicist, Liz Lawless; Rodeo Judge, Harold Williams; Charro President, Juan de Leon; Rodeo Announcer, Kevin Woodson; Contestants (men, women and youth).