National Western Stock Show Announces New Partner for MLK Day Rodeo.

The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) has announced it will end its long-running partnership with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) for the annual MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions. For nearly 20 years, BPIR worked alongside NWSS to produce the event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrating African American contributions to rodeo and Western culture. That partnership will conclude beginning with the 2026 season, as NWSS moves forward with a new production partner. In a joint statement, both organizations said the decision followed scheduling conflicts that could not be resolved. BPIR CEO Valeria Howard-Cunningham later addressed the situation on social media, explaining that NWSS declined to continue accommodating the rodeo’s Monday morning “slack” competitions, which had been held for the past seven years. Slack refers to qualifying events held outside the main performance schedule. According to Howard-Cunningham, NWSS instead proposed a reduced-format event limited to a Monday night performance, a change BPIR said did not support the rodeo’s growth. Despite the change, NWSS confirmed it will continue hosting the MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo with a new partner, Black Rodeo USA (BRUSA). The tradition will remain part of the National Western Stock Show schedule.

The MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo was first established in 2006 by BPIR founder Lu Vason in collaboration with NWSS as part of the stock show’s 100th anniversary celebration. Over the years, the event has highlighted elite African American cowboys and cowgirls while honoring Dr. King’s legacy. The 2026 MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo is scheduled for Monday, January 19, at 6 p.m. at the Denver Coliseum during the National Western Stock Show.