Nationwide — Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is making a major affect by shining a highlight on Black cowboys and equestrian tradition, not simply by way of her music but in addition by way of her philanthropic efforts. Her basis, BeyGOOD, has taken a deep curiosity in supporting the wealthy, but typically ignored, historical past of Black cowboys, cowgirls, farmers, and ranchers. This historical past is significant to understanding the total narrative of the American West, but it has been largely ignored in mainstream media and historical past books. By specializing in these communities, Beyoncé helps to protect and rejoice a vital a part of Black heritage that has formed the American panorama.
In an effort to uplift and maintain these traditions, BeyGOOD has been partnering with the annual Invoice Pickett Rodeo, a historic occasion that has been the heartbeat of Black cowboy tradition for 4 many years. The Invoice Pickett Invitational Rodeo, acknowledged because the longest-running Black rodeo in the US, is an important gathering for Black cowboys and cowgirls to showcase their abilities and protect their legacy. By way of its Equestrian program, BeyGOOD has dedicated $500,000 in grants to help these communities, demonstrating a powerful dedication to making sure that this essential cultural heritage isn’t misplaced to historical past.
In line with WBLS, the BeyGOOD Basis has already made a tangible affect by taking part within the Los Angeles and Atlanta stops of the Invoice Pickett Rodeo. At these occasions, the inspiration awarded $25,000 in grants to varied organizations which can be deeply rooted within the Black equestrian group. Among the many recipients had been City Saddles, Love This Equine and Horse Rescue, The Black Cultural Enlightenment Society/Black Cowboy Pageant, the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition, and SOOFA Ranch. Every of those organizations performs an important position in selling and sustaining Black equestrian and agricultural traditions.
Based by Beyoncé in 2013, BeyGOOD began as an initiative to help world causes and has now developed right into a 501(c)(3) public charity, often known as the BeyGOOD Basis. Over the previous decade, BeyGOOD has engaged in quite a few humanitarian efforts, from offering scholarships to addressing the water disaster in Burundi, and aiding households affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Beyoncé’s imaginative and prescient for the inspiration is to proceed constructing partnerships by way of revolutionary packages which have an enduring affect on communities all over the world.
One of many youngest beneficiaries of the BeyGOOD Equestrian Grants is nine-year-old Kendall Rae Johnson, the youngest farmer in Georgia and the proprietor of Inexperienced Coronary heart. Her success story is a testomony to the significance of nurturing the subsequent technology of Black farmers and equestrians. The help offered by the BeyGOOD Basis is essential in serving to younger entrepreneurs like Kendall Rae proceed their work and encourage future generations.
The importance of this initiative can’t be overstated. By supporting these grants, the BeyGOOD Basis isn’t just offering monetary help; it’s affirming the worth of Black agricultural and equestrian traditions within the broader American story. These efforts be certain that the legacies of Black cowboys, farmers, and ranchers are acknowledged and celebrated, slightly than forgotten. To study extra concerning the recipients and the work of the BeyGOOD Basis, go to BeyGOOD.org
