THE FORGOTTEN COWBOYS

"From riding to roping, gathering, and branding, Black cowboys participated in all aspects of cattle management. Whether out of their own accord, under implicit pressure, or because they were asked, these men frequently took on the more dangerous and arduous tasks. Black cowboys were near the bottom of social hierarchies, and so they had to exercise great skill and doggedness to avoid being replaced. The records tell of how they swam the swollen rivers ahead of the cattle, took the first pitch out of rough horses, quelled raging stampedes, and even sang through the night to in­still a sense of calm among their charges."