The Midwest Invitational rodeo is coming to South Bend
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Midwest Invitational rodeo is coming to South Bend for the first time this Saturday. The rodeo honors Black and brown cowboys and cowgirls who are often led.
“I started riding horses when I was two.”
In most western movies, Black cowboys are often non-existent. Despite this lack of representation, Black horse and bull riding culture is a very real thing found throughout the entire nation; including in South Bend.
Jeffery Diggins Sr. is a pastor, former police officer and first-generation Black cowboy who was inspired by the late Taffy Mallard, a Black South Bend cop who loved his horse. Diggin’s sons, Jeffery Jr. and Jaylin would often be the only Black racers in competitions. They have been barred from racing due to the color of their skin and even had a noose thrown at them before competing.
Despite all of this, the Diggins family loves what they do, and the people they have met because of this. As more people get exposed to Black ag-culture, Jeffery Sr has noticed black people from all walks of life looking to buy and racehorses. Some even choosing to try out new activities.
“Ive seen some venturing off into the arena part to do speeding action and things like that,” Diggins said.
Black horse riders are not new. During the civil war the Buffalo Soldiers were an elite Black military regiment who rode horses and were revered for their bravery.
Now at rodeos, modern day Buffalo Soldiers expose adults and children alike to their own history. The modern buffalo soldiers honor the late soldiers through representation.
“To represent ourselves as the true Buffalo Soldiers on horseback, it’s just giving people a reason to even think about who are they, where are they from, where does this concept even mean to be a Buffalo Solider...Without that I don't think the questions would be asked. Without seeing my godfather on his horse in uniform, I don’t think I would've asked the question myself. So it cements it in just giving it life still.”
The reason why many people do not know about black cowboy culture is due to a lack of exposure, which is exactly what the Midwest Invitational aims to combat. The invitational wants to combine everyone from doctors to ranchers from the plantations of the south to the plains of the west who have a love for the sport of rodeo.
Jalin Diggins will be bull riding, Jeff Sr. and the Buffalo Soldiers will be in the grand entry and 3rd district rep for South Bend County council, Sharon McBride, is one of the rodeo hosts. Saying this about why the rodeo chose to come here.
“[The association president] Thought that it was a great location a great place to come to bring communities together families together and just recognize our history that goes untold.”
The Diggins sons spoke at length about why their father is a blessing to have in their corner. Jeffery Sr protected his sons from racial incidences, while still instilling a sense of toughness and commitment. He hopes more people understand the badge of honor that is being a Black cowboy and wants the sport to grow in popularity in the Black community
“I hope there's more diversity...But there's a lot of black riders that are good at it, very good at it. I think it’s coming around were making a circle,” Diggins Sr said.
Tommy Penson Jr, a Buffalo Soldier who will be riding in the grand entry, wants to honor his culture, and make sure it continues.
“We are the history makers, the Black cowboys and the Buffalo Soldiers and it’s gonna continue to thrive as long as I'm still alive.”
The invitational is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Reentry is allowed, as there will be a mental health fair, rodeo fashion show and line dancing before the rodeo starts. This event is rain or shine.