Cleo Hearn is a living legend in the world of Black rodeo. Born in Seminole, Oklahoma in 1939, Hearn has achieved numerous firsts throughout his remarkable life and career.
Pioneer for Black Cowboys
Hearn is considered “Mr. Black Rodeo” and is the founder of the acclaimed Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour, the largest and longest-running multicultural rodeo in the world. But his pioneering achievements go far beyond that.
Hearn was one of the first eight African Americans to serve in the Presidential Honor Guard under President John F. Kennedy. He was the first Black cowboy to attend college on a rodeo scholarship.
And in 1970, he made history by becoming the first African American to win a major tie-down calf roping championship at the prestigious National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado.
Barrier-Breaking Career
As a young man dreaming of the cowboy life, Hearn faced blatant discrimination and racism. When he tried to enter his first rodeo in 1955 at age 16, he was denied entry due to the color of his skin.
But Hearn was determined to overcome the barriers. He joined the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) in 1959 and competed at rodeos across Texas and Oklahoma, earning a reputation as a skilled and charismatic Black cowboy. He served in the Army from 1961-1963, competing in military rodeos while stationed on the East Coast.
After graduating from Langston University on a rodeo scholarship, Hearn had a successful 33-year career with Ford Motor Company, rising to the position of Southwestern Zone Manager. All the while, he continued competing in rodeos on weekends and during vacations. Hearn also appeared in commercials for Ford, Pepsi, Levi’s and Philip Morris.
Inspiring Legacy
In 1971, Hearn put on his first rodeo in Harlem, New York for an audience of 10,000 children. This sparked his vision for the Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour, which officially launched in 1985. The innovative touring rodeo celebrates the diverse cultural roots of the historic American West, spotlighting Native American, Hispanic, African American and European cowboy traditions.
Hearn has mentored countless young cowboys and cowgirls over the decades, encouraging participation from minority communities in pro rodeo. Though now retired from active competition at age 84, his four sons – all former rodeo scholarship athletes – carry on the family business and passion.
Cleo Hearn’s pioneering spirit, athletic feats and cultural impact have earned him numerous honors, including induction into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame.
More than accolades, his legacy lives on through the vibrant Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour, inspiring generations to carry forward the diverse traditions of America’s iconic cowboy heritage.
