A new special exhibition examining the history and contributions of Black cowboys is opening at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. The exhibition, titled Black Cowboys: An American Story, will run from October 9, 2026, through April 18, 2027.
Created by the Witte Museum in San Antonio, the exhibition focuses on the lives of enslaved and free Black men, women, and children who worked on Texas ranches and participated in trail drives. Historically, Black cowboys accounted for one in four cowboys on the trail, playing a major role in driving the economic growth of Texas from before the Civil War through the turn of the twentieth century.
Visitors to the exhibition can view personal artifacts, historical photographs, and documents showing how Black cowboys trained horses, managed livestock, and rode on long trail drives. Over time, many transitioned into owning ranches, serving as lawmen, competing in rodeos, singing, and performing in films.
The Dallas display includes an exclusive section honoring the late Cleo Hearn, a Lancaster, Texas resident who died in 2025. Hearn co-founded the American Black Cowboy Association, founded the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and earned the nickname “Mr. Black Rodeo.” The dedicated section features his personal saddle, boots, spurs, and photographs documenting his work to preserve cowboy history.
Mary Pat Higgins, president and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, stated that the exhibition aims to bring overlooked stories to North Texas visitors and broaden public understanding of the history of the American West. Michelle Everidge, president and CEO of the Witte Museum, noted that the exhibition was developed alongside a steering committee of scholars, community leaders, and Black cowboys to illustrate stories of skill and perseverance.
Support for the local presentation is provided by the Jean Baptiste “Tad” Adoue III Fund of The Dallas Foundation, alongside American Airlines, the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, H-E-B/Central Market, and NFI Industries. The original exhibition was developed by the Witte Museum with presentation support from Bank of America, the John L. Santikos Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, H-E-B, and the Ed Rachal Foundation.
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