Ghetto Cowboy - Our End of Year Novel

THIS DOCUMENT IS TWO PAGES LONG. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE IT TO THE END!

Because you are such a fantastic student, you have the chance to extend your learning today!

First, did you know that the ONLY Cowboys of Color Museum in the United States is in Fort Worth, Texas? Check this out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWjMsRZhp7c

It is estimated that after the Civil War, close to 50% of the cowboys were African-Americans. These hard-working individuals helped to shape our country, and we celebrate them today as heroes.

I want you to learn more about two influential cowboys mentioned in our novel. I would like you to take notes as you read. Pretend I know nothing about these individuals. Teach me!

1. Were their parents slaves, or were they born free?
2. Where did they live?
3. I want to know what they did that was so unusual. Why do we still study them today?
4. How did they die?
5. Give me at least 5 more facts about each person that you found interesting.

Learn more about stagecoach Mary Fields:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhN5Yp3_McM

http://americacomesalive.com/2014/01/05/mary-fields-ca-1832-1914-known-as-stagecoach-mary/

Learn more about Bill Pickett: (HINT: Bulldogging means steer wrestling!)

http://www.famoustexans.com/billpickett.htm

http://americacomesalive.com/2012/02/24/bill-pickett-ca-1870-1932-african-american-cowboy/

Now watch him in action! This is actual historic footage of him in 1921. (HINT: no sound on these)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY-blqt4lIs

Here he is in 1922:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEHTyymQIWo

Now I want you to see and hear the author of our novel. He is going to be answering some reader questions about Ghetto Cowboy. Really think about what he’s saying. This interview will put you in his mind, and help you understand where this novel came from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyzxptCHGv0

In our novel, Tex tells Cole a little bit about the history of the black cowboy. Learn more here. Pay special attention to the cowboy biography at the end, because he is mentioned in our novel.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ranchhouse/pop_blackcowboy.html

Now that you  have some background, I want you to learn more about how being a cowboy has evolved in the African-American culture. Look at this video clip: African-American Cowboys: Forgotten Men of the West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAr2UzErToA

Part 2: How has the American Rodeo changed over the last fifty years for Black Cowboys?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvgh7Pr8s-E

We have read about the Fletcher Street Stables, but you haven’t really seen them. Check this out:

http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.com/news/urban-stable.php