I'm a Black Cowboy. This is My Story. | Op-Docs

Cowboys are among the most iconic figures of the American West. They’re mythologized as strong, independent people who live and die by their own terms on the frontier. And in movies, the people who play them are mostly white. But as with many elements of Americana, the idea of who cowboys are is actually whitewashed - scholars estimate that in the pioneer era, one in four cowboys were black. The historian Quintard Taylor writes about how before then, enslaved people "were part of the expansion of the livestock industry into colonial South Carolina, passing their herding skills down through the generations and steadily across the Gulf Coast states to Texas."
In Dillon Hayes's "All I Have to Offer You Is Me," we meet Larry Callies, who comes from a long line of cowboys. Growing up in Texas, Callies dreamed of becoming like Charley Pride, the first African-American inductee in the Country Music Hall of Fame. As with the cowboy, there’s an assumption of who makes up country music, despite its diverse history. The breakthrough of artists like Lil Nas X, Jimmie Allen and Kane Brown has returned attention to the contributions of black artists to the genre. Callies’s journey shows what we lose when we don’t acknowledge the full breadth of history.
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[@yvonnechristian5050]

I grew up listening to stories about black cowboys who drove cattle from Texas through Colorado and into Kansas. Stay strong. Thank you for keeping this memory and tradition alive.

[@simplyme922]

Wow. Don't judge: You never know the path that made those boots dusty.

[@bunnyman6321]

😀😀😀

[@theresenydahl9531]

What a brave and lovely gentleman, thank you for telling his life story🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@jessetorres8738]

Watch the episode of Adam Ruins Everything about The Old West where 1 of the topics he brings up is that many cowboys were African American and Latino, but the film industry refused to show them in movies.

[@chinesesparrows]

Most asian films have almost only asian people, why dont SJWs start complaining about that lol.

[@MsDulce619]

Hey Mexicans have a lot of old west movies, we didn’t need no Hollywood !!! Look them up they are cool!!!

[@willasproth]

Chinese Sparrows because most “SJWs” don’t live in Asia you melon.

[@chinesesparrows]

@@willasproth america is like 15% black, a minority. Same goes in asia where whites are minority. I dont see whining about lack of representation of white in asian films

[@nedisahonkey]

@@chinesesparrows Name an Asian country that has a non Asian minority approaching anywhere close to 15%.

[@jbos5107]

Larry Callies you sang as purdy as Charlie Pride ever did. I'll never forget you even tho we've never met. If you have any of your performances recorded whether audio or film, please post them on youtube. The world should have known you a long time ago.

[@huntergreene849]

Us Black cowboys hardly get recognized in this lifestyle because it's predominantly white but we're slowly getting out there as time goes by I'm 24 so I'm young into this but I hope to see it grow alot more. It's growing fast in the south especially in Georgia and Texas

[@MUSICENCYLOPEDIA]

Happy New Year Bro. Strive for Excellence and continue to make sure that your stories are being told

[@redmule8621]

I'm an old man, and I grew up with a lot of black white and brown cowboys.

[@davidhawkins9472]

Lmao Your no Cowboy U CANT BE.. COWBOYS ARE WHITE. STICK TO WHAT U KNOW. THANKS FOR THE LAUGH..

[@SexyTrappaTv]

@@davidhawkins9472 STICK TO YOUR TRAILERS COWBOYS WAS NEVER WHITE THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN BLACK‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@Student0Toucher]

At the end of the day its really Mexican culture

[@sheepdawg6946]

I competed in rodeo for a over 10 years and met a few black cowboys. I never treated them any different than anyone else. The other day, I saw a black Philippino cowboy that I haven’t seen in a decade. He was still working cows, shoeing a few horses, and making a living. Super nice guy. This race BS is something you city folks are pushing on us country folks because you think we are racists, but it really you folk.

[@Rhiannonanais]

People who don’t live in Houston, TX or just Texas period will think Black Cowboys are an anomaly. They definitely aren’t in Texas

[@shaunroberts9361]

This was awesome. I new Charlie Samson. BullRider out of Arizona. Love this story.

[@JamesLouisWagner]

that was beautiful. love that guy.

[@Cam.Klingon]

Had to watch this on my computer, too many ads on my phone. wtf ny times...

[@TankaFrank]

KZbin is running mid-roll ads on everything now, it's opt-out and set up by default by KZbin. Not one specific industry is to fault. You can also subscribe to NYT for like $4/mo digitally and get loads of great stuff and support one of the few strong sources of news we have today

[@plowboygill3025]

I saw the Texas Country Reporter story on this man, and it was great. I’m sorry I never heard of this man. It’s good he is being recognized. Mr. Callie’s should be respected like Charlie Pride.

[@SolaceEasy]

He helps me feel free.

[@thunderstorm204]

[@jeremiahmosely3102]

Beautiful story.. may god bless this man..a true texan a true black cowboy.. may the history of black cowboys continue to rise and rise and get full recognition...god bless all of yall, jay mosely from Dallas tx

[@hkbabel]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! Your Op-Docs are consistently spectacular & riviting. I very much appreciate everyone's hard work & your choice of subjects/people to cover.

[@bombaylounge1928]

It's a sweet story. Bittersweet. And that's real 💗

[@jokerfacebitch]

This was really beautifully done.

[@carlericpickett597]

Great info. I grew up in Chicago ,but spent my summers riding in Port Gipson and Meridian Miss. As a kid I thought it was all fun moving cattle and horses from one field to another until I got older and realized how much work it was. The heat was no joke. Lol. Fond memories.

[@shaunroberts9361]

I want to meet this cowboy...

[@fyouman7]

Oh my God. I would die if I couldn't sing anymore. What a strong man.

[@shaunroberts9361]

I have the same thing with my voice. SPASTIC DYSPHONIA OF THE VOCAL CORDS. It sucks.. Every six months I have botox injections in my neck.

[@thekaerichtexas]

This is great. Much love from dallas tx Mr callies

[@johnspace1876]

Wise Cowboy once said "Always drink upstream from the heard."

[@justinreed7093]

I've heard my grandfather talk about Charlie pride my entire life never knowing he was a black man and now I'm about to look up his music

[@GodsLonelyMan76]

As a fellow cowboy no one can understand how much I LOVE to see black cowboys makes realize that they ain't all about hip hop stuff

[@ButterCookie1984]

Yes!🤠

[@quincypurcell5222]

Lil nas x wishes he could be this guy

[@ohwhoaitzjoe]

I can't find any of his music on streaming services 😢

[@thomasbarca9297]

This is an amazing story

[@petraondraskova5255]

🖕

[@louiswilliamson5937]

Wonderful video

[@Key2TheCity]

Respect You Brother 💯🔥💪🏾🔑

[@iqraa4u951]

great video , i think the cowboy episode from little America got the same theme but with a more hopeful ending

[@JR_Donofrio]

I would love a link to Larry’s performances on KZbin. He’s a real true cowboy and the epitome of country music. God bless him and may god bless cowboys

[@smokewagon6]

Well done

[@isidromoreno8378]

GOD BLESS YOU 🙏 COWBOY 🤠

[@awesomeness947111]

incredible!

[@vinispdf]

amazing!

[@azrielofearth9406]

Dude thay song in the begining with that vhs warping was vibes

[@blkbeauti05]

This is amazing.

[@SLEEPYYRAHEEL]

Well you know how life is partner, never a straight road.

[@thetravelingbee5317]

What a great story and video. Tex Williams is also my cousin as well.

[@Mimijohnsoneosdgs]

Please, what's the name of the singers?

[@davaunghhouck4039]

More Americans need to see this as country music is growing in popularity

[@nointernet799]

Black lives matter ✊🏿 💯 three is black cowboys. Mexican cowboys. White cowboys. Not just white cowboys.

[@jamesharris4744]

I like who you are too.

[@rosemontano8705]

Thank you for keeping mexican culture alive and well

[@toughsuga2]

❤️

[@artespinturaanaestrela2607]

❣

[@trimelt.v.]

Yeppers

[@Hi.ImKiba]

yeehaw brother

[@turkunvicdan3351]

Black cowboy 🤠 😎))

[@victoriaallen8271]

Cows love music.

[@bunnyman6321]

😂😂

[@pw2809]

whiskey n wine

[@albertogarcia1148]

🐄 cowboys 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@importantmancommenting9336]

This is why I pay for internet

[@bunnyman6321]

😀😀😀

[@emmanuelhompanera3186]

Orale oraleee

[@johannatheone]

Imagine a world where people of all skin colors live together in harmony like brothers and sisters. Singing country music at night in front of a big fire and the children plays around. Having horses and animals and growing food together. I want that to be my future!

[@perkar49]

Not many know the black cowboys were the first...white wranglers were called cowhands..

[@gaizkaaththariq]

Everyone can ride a horse

[@HollerHoppin]

🇺🇸✊🏿

[@LaserDragonSons]

I always thought that Karl Malone has the accent of a black cowboy

[@PHlophe]

Edgardo, ain't no such a thing , chico

[@LaserDragonSons]

@@PHlophe Have you heard Karl Malone talking though?

[@christopherhorn1161]

Karl Malone has no honor

[@angelamilton5134]

NYT Why not just say I'm a cowboy this is my story. Amazing story

[@Jimmukun_]

To highlight the supressed presence of black people in cowboy history.

[@hgbugalou]

For better or worse black cowboys are rare so it is a major element to the story.

[@G1376LOVE]

@@Jimmukun_ exactly!!

[@mr.o1333]

This comment section is crawling with cowards and the jealous hearted. Nothing but respect and admiration to the Black cowboys.

[@xelefonte]

*Karl Malone, is that you?*

[@bassreeves1838]

We are the original cowboys !!

[@lafierasgamefarm258]

Natives n Mexicans my dude

[@bunnyman6321]

@@lafierasgamefarm258 Naw Blacks.

[@squallded7244]

Red dead redemption 3 confirmed

[@mileswillis9020]

Lmaooooo

[@edward449]

There were more black cowboys than "regular" history shows.

[@martymcfly5842]

10:52 "Can you tell me where the name 'cowboy' came from? It came from slaves". Searched Google high and low for any proof of this, even black college historical sites and nothing. The truth of the matter is: The English word cowboy was derived from vaquero, a Spanish word for an individual who managed cattle while mounted on horseback. Vaquero was derived from vaca, meaning "cow," which came from the Latin word vacca. Maybe the woman speaking at 10:52 was told that misinformation and is passing it on as fact.

[@nedisahonkey]

Yeah that was a weird claim. A sizable (at least 1/3) of cowboys in the old west were black and many if not most were former slaves but the etymology you found is definitely the correct one.

[@melvina628]

There were more slaves and a much longer use of slavery in the Spanish colonies of South America, namely Argentina, where beef is a major industry.

[@nedisahonkey]

@@melvina628 Brazil received a huge proportion of the Tran Atlantic slave trade, sadly the treatment their was so brutal their that somewhere close to 75% died within 5 years

[@melvina628]

@@nedisahonkey Brazil was one of the last countries to end slavery. The U.S. ended slavery before Brazil. So, Brazil had slavery for longer than 200 years, not 5. Please stop "misinforming". How did you add or detract from my previous post?

[@nedisahonkey]

@@melvina628 Haha wtf I didn't say Brazil had slavery for five years you Muppet, I said most slaves in Brazil died within 5 years. And you were saying most slaves went to Spanish South America especially Argentina (demonstrably false) i tried to throw you a life rope and see if maybe you were thinking of Brazil but you couldn't even decipher the most basic thing.

[@ForzaGOD]

To the person who is reading this: You are beautiful and amazing 🌈have a blessed day

[@KantPrakhar]

You too are lovely for leaving such a kind message and may you have a wonderful day as well.

[@spiritofecstasy8525]

I already have had a great and blessed day! THANKS!! 😊

[@nedisahonkey]

Nice sentiment but I'm really not fam. Have a good day though 👍

[@im-rd5bu]

Thanks alot

[@samreynolds3789]

Naaaahh! You are A MAN !

[@deadfan1964]

Just read a great piece by an independent journalist covering the destruction inflicted upon the non-white citizens and store owners of many cities. Shows how they feel about riots, looting, police etc. Ain't that cool? Great job NYT. ... part of a fair independent media ... no affiliation to either party. Way to go. What a sad state of affairs. Give my best the Bari Weiss.

[@isaiahquiah]

Cowboys aren't black nor white, neither are they brown or blue; they are cowboys. Cowboys are cowboys. Cowboys. Cowboys. Cowboys. Cowboys.

[@ajbarry8142]

Who else thought of lil nas x

[@lucas1087]

Sup

[@spiritofecstasy8525]

Lucus ! WUP! Giddyup! 🤠

[@kathysloan4395]

Please be original, don't follow the ones that didn't let you shine, please do not try to sound like the oppressor in music or anything, the way he was singing sound just like mimicking the other cowboys.

[@JJOrozcoMedia]

It would be nice if you called yourself a cowboy only. You don't have to call yourself a black cowboy... just cowboy would be fine sir. You wouldn't call a caucasian a white cowboy right?

[@diegos.loayza3706]

Whites, Indians, blacks, Asians and even Arabs there were cowboys of all the races. So stop complaining.

[@Student0Toucher]

Not the modern wild west cowboy lol Mexicans created the modern cowboy in the Americas lol from the attire to the music to the sports

[@flyintakoks3066]

Lil nas x has entered the comment section

[@germaine497]

Huh, is this the twilight zone

[@martymcfly5842]

So when can we expect the 'I'm a American Indian Cowboy. This is My Story' or the 'I'm an Asian Cowboy. This is My Story' or the 'I'm an Hispanic Cowboy. This is My Story' or the 'I'm a Native Hawaiian Cowboy. This is My Story' Op-Doc's? Just wondering.......

[@bananaanachronism]

I'd watch all those to see what everyone's experiences were like. This was a good vid because it sheds light on one person's experience. He's black and a cowboy, and there's history there.

[@Red.Dots.]

DJANGO

[@derekowen513]

I prefer the term Original Cowboy. Of course Eurepeans dominated all aspects of "American" culture...

[@user-jq9fg3sk7q]

isnt that considered cultural apropriation

[@awaroots]

Maybe google Cowboy history before thinking out loud🤣

[@kingsleyunoguozirigbo5997]

You are a Black Man from Africa

[@wade2bosh]

from AMERICA

[@okbuddyretard]

No, they are black men from America with African heritage. Get it right.

[@Michael-Kimm]

First

[@KantPrakhar]

Yes, you are! :)

[@martymcfly5842]

Actually, Lucas ! was by three minutes

[@FJVDavid88]

que feo habla ese dude

[@richardmontonio1486]

This is for all you blacks saying black cowboys were the first cowboys in america that is false, that is like saying mexicans created rap? You see mexicans created cowboys, mexicans were the first cowboys in america. Mexican cowboys were called vaqueros and were around for 500 years cowboys was started in 1500s and taught indians. You see mexicans are spainards and american indians. Spainards taught their sons mexicans to ride horses in 1500s and in the 1800s vaqueros taught whote then whote men taught blacks in 1865 after blacks were freed from slavery. So black and white enjoy mexican culture?

[@edyann]

Being a cowboy has nothing to do with race though..🙄

[@kanecorbin4940]

Go tell the people who made the culture you didn’t make it so you can’t speak on it

[@KantPrakhar]

I think the reason why it is mentioned here is because those who made it are of the opinion that in the popular imagination, when a cowboy is mentioned, the person that comes to mind is someone of lighter tone. It is that image which the video in question may be trying to address or comment upon.

[@edyann]

@@KantPrakhar I live in Mexico and whenever I go to California and especially Texas- I see hundreds of cowboys of Mexican heritage. That's why I say that it has NOTHING to do with race.

[@claymore484]

Gisselle ST based

[@claymore484]

AFTERLIFE 999 so black people created it then?

[@EWKification]

Enough identity politics. If I want religion, I'll go to church.

[@omowhanre]

Everyone should just all dip themselves in purple paint so we dont have to see or discuss race. If you're sick of "identity politics" think about how millions of people feel about being the 'wrong race's in this country. It's exhausting.

[@EWKification]

@@omowhanre Ask yourself which race is OK to hate and blame everything on, and you won't get in any trouble, and you'll get a promotion. Then ask yourself which race is the most tolerant race who admits the most immigrants and has the most liberal policies. Hint, it's the same race. Everyone else is a "protected class" and you are legally not allowed to say anything bad about them, nor defend yourself if they say racist things against you.

[@omowhanre]

@@EWKification yeah, you need a therapist and a history book not issued by your local public school. Good luck with life.

[@EWKification]

@@omowhanre No, you need a therapist and to look at a history book not from your local school. You're just regurgitating your social justice cult playbook talking points. You'll see when you get a little older and stop believing in the bogey man.

[@leefrancis4565]

No such thing as a Black Cowboy.

[@wade2bosh]

he is and 1 in 4 were black cowboys

[@leefrancis4565]

@@wade2bosh ln my time no such thing as a Black Cowboy.

[@zaidnasser5910]

@@leefrancis4565 you're just a city boy who plays cowboy. you wouldn't know the half of our culture and history.

[@xelefonte]

*The New York Times can make just about anything sound riveting and exciting including a boringass raspy sounding black cowboy. There’s are plenty of black cowboys playing on the Dallas Cowboys. I found his story incredibly boring and unappealing. So you have a voice dysfunction that prevented you from being a successful Black Country artist... I hardly doubt that voice dysfunction would’ve been the only hindrance in a genre made for white people. I almost feel sorry for the dude but I don’t because his story just isn’t that dire or important.*

[@GreekGypsy]

❤