Dallas museum to host Black Cowboys history exhibition

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum will host a special exhibition titled ‘Black Cowboys: An American Story’ from October 9, 2026, through April 18, 2027. Developed by the Witte Museum in San Antonio, the traveling exhibition explores the history and contributions of enslaved and free Black men, women, and children in the American West.

Historical data indicates that Black cowboys comprised approximately one in four individuals on the cattle trails, serving as skilled horsemen, ranch workers, lawmen, and entrepreneurs who contributed to the Texas cattle economy. The exhibition features personal artifacts and photographs that trace their evolution from ranch labor to roles in law enforcement, rodeo, music, and film.

The Dallas presentation includes a dedicated section honoring Cleo Hearn, a Lancaster, Texas, resident and co-founder of the American Black Cowboy Association. The display features personal items such as his saddle, boots, and spurs.