The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF) and Crown Royal recently announced the recipients of the $100,000 The Hats Off Grant program that supports the Black rodeo community.

Contrary to what Hollywood would have you believe, Black Americans have been involved in the cattle trade and rodeos since their inception in this country. In an effort to embrace and nurture the next generation of Black cowboys and cowgirls, Crown Royal and BPIRF are awarding $25,000 to four members of the Black rodeo community – Krishaun Adair, Kanesha Jackson, Ashton Semien, and Myles Malone. In addition, Crown Royal has also promised to diversify its Royal Rider program by 30 percent in the coming year. The award-winning whisky brand designed the Royal Rider program to financially support professional riders . 

“This is a major milestone for the Black rodeo community, as Crown Royal is the first major brand to provide this level of investment for aspiring Black cowboys and cowgirls to further their rodeo careers and fuel their passion for the craft,” shared Valeria Howard Cunningham, CEO and President of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, in a release. “After all, they are the future of the Black rodeo culture.” 

BPIRF invited active members who were 25 or older to apply for The Hats Off grant during two weeks in August. The cowgirl and cowboy applicants had to explain what Black rodeo means to them and how the grant will help them hone their craft in a video response. The four grantees will receive their $25,000 throughout the 2024 rodeo season.

Get to know The Hats Off first-generation riders and those continuing the rodeo bloodline below. 

Meet the Black rodeo recipients of The Hats Off Grant