Cowgirl and storyteller Candace Dantes chats with Ivan McClellan on the eve of his groundbreaking Western event — The 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo.
The news of freedom arrived two-and-a-half years too late. More than 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, received the liberation report on June 19, 1865 — when the signed Emancipation Proclamation had actually become effective January 1, 1863.
Nothing can replace the denied independence that this exploited Black community experienced within their Gulf Coast town. Almost 160 years later, America is still taking steps to acknowledge this missed accountability mark.
Juneteenth officially passed as a federal holiday in 2021, sending a responsibility ripple across states to declare it as a public holiday. From cooperatives, nonprofits, and corporate institutions, U.S. organizations have since responded to this traumatic history through contemporary tributes. Including the rodeo world. On June 16, thousands of Black cowhand culture supporters will honor the day at the second annual 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo (the first of its kind) held in Portland, Oregon. Around 2,300 miles northwest from Galveston, the day will be commemorated among a sold-out crowd in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Ivan McClellan
From all corners of the country, horsemen in events like barrel racing, steer wrestling, bull riding, and mutton busting will salute the hard work of agriculture from centuries past. In celebration of the multigenerational contributions to Black rodeo life, attendees will reunite with family and friends ... make newer ones along the way. And they’ll have the opportunity to meet the show’s architect, accomplished photographer and designer Ivan McClellan. Award-winning whisky brand Crown Royal is sponsoring the second-year event.
“We’re honored to partner with Ivan for the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo as we continue to celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of Black rodeo,” said Hadley Schafer, VP, Crown Royal. “Ivan’s work is incredible, and we look forward to joining forces to shine a light on the achievements of Black cowboys and cowgirls across the nation.”
Participants can observe McClellan’s artistry at the Crown Royal-branded exhibit. He has been featured in campaigns with international brands such as Tecovas, Wrangler, and Apple. His forthcoming photobook, Eight Seconds: Black Rodeo Culture (Damiani), is an anthology depicting his adoration for Black cowhand lifestyles. C&I caught up with McClellan as this year’s cast of arena athletes paraded into the “Rose City.” Check out our 15-minute conversation with the seasoned creative right before showtime.
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C&I: What was your first Black rodeo experience, in one word to explain the moment?
Ivan McClellan (IM): “Obsession.” It was 2015 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. I was invited by a filmmaker friend, Charles Perry, to attend my first Black rodeo. I didn’t know it was a thing and that our Black people were doing it with style and swag. I never saw that before. I got locked in and wanted to go to every one I could. All the things I loved about the West were put into my culture.
C&I: What is your word now when you think of Black rodeos almost 10 years later?
McClellan: Now, my word is “effort.” We had 17 dump trucks of dirt brought into the arena. It takes a lot of effort to make it happen. I’m in charge of sponsorships, and I’m also the co-announcer.
C&I: Why did you specifically want to create a rodeo named after Juneteenth, a painful time in Black American history?
McClellan: Juneteenth is a tragedy and a lie. To remedy what happened, this rodeo is an opportunity to celebrate our freedom and liberation. There’s not a large Black population here, so we’re bringing awareness to the activities enslaved Black people did like working the land and tending to livestock.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Ivan McClellan
C&I: Like last year, this second Juneteenth Rodeo sold out fairly quickly. Why do you think that is? Your marketing strategy?
McClellan: Last year we sold out to a crowd of 2,500. This year we sold out with 7,200 tickets, tripling participation. It was scary. We dropped on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album release day, selling out the entire lower level that first day. We’re awarding $60,000 in added cash across all events. It is taking us in the direction of mainstream rodeos.
C&I: Black rodeos have served as a popular horsemanship pastime since the 19th century. With modern shows like the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, what does 8 Seconds bring to the modern rodeo arena scene?
McClellan: What the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo built is incredible. I consider them the forebears. I’m proud to be a part of this industry. The 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo brings that tradition with the best rodeo and a world-class production. We have more than 70 professionals — workers, announcers, and producers. I’m capturing photos at the rodeo while co-announcing.
C&I: We can’t wait to see the final results, because the way you document Black cowhands is gorgeous and uplifts the culture through organic excellence. So, what’s next for Ivan in this agricultural space?
McClellan: We want to expand and move it east. We’re looking to do more rodeos across the country. With the support of brands like Crown Royal, we’ll be able to do that and continue to create world-class productions.
About C&I Magazine contributing writer: Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and award-winning communicator based in the Georgia Black Belt Region. The print-to-digital journalist has collaborated with global brands like Justin Boots, Wrangler, Durango, and USA Today: 10 Best to capture authentic narratives of the American West and American South.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Candace Dantes
