Toyota Partners w The Bill Pickett Rodeo Celebrating 35 Years

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - May 15, 2019 - EntSun -- In 1984, Lu Vason had a vision to entertain audiences and to create and preserve the history and contributions of African American cowboys and cowgirls. The result, The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) titled "The Greatest Show on Dirt".  At that time, Vason had no idea that the rodeo would be in existence today, celebrating its 35th Anniversary.

Named after the legendary William "Bill' Pickett; an African American and Cherokee cowboy, whom was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame; Vason sought to continue his legacy.

Although there are thousands of African American cowboys who helped to shape the history of America's West, there is no greater documented legend than Bill Pickett.  Mastering "Bull Doggin" he was known as "The Dusty Deamon" and "The Bull Dogger."

Bill's career spanned over 40 years as a professional cowboy and rodeo champion. Lu Vason achieved his mission of continuing the history and the legacy through BPIR.

BPIR is the world's longest running African American family touring rodeo and in the world. After Lu Vason passed away in 2015, his then wife Valeria Howard-Cunningham stepped up as President and producer (the only African American woman to produce a rodeo) to revamp the rodeo operations, strengthen community relations, and to create collaborating partners in order to continue Vason's mission and the legacy of African American cowboys and cowgirls.

"Seeing devoted rodeo fans; walking with canes, in wheelchairs or just slowly taking their time with deliberate steps, not letting their physical challenges keep them from coming to the rodeo, provided me clarity of the impact of BPIR on rodeo fans.. this has intensified my passion and fuels the mission to continue Lu Vason's legacy," Howard-Cunningham.

For the last 4 years, under Howard-Cunningham's direction, the rodeo has continued to thrive and now reflects the power, influence and determination of a Black woman reaching national attention from CBS, Trevor Noah host of The Daily Show, AOL, Black Enterprise, and Eurweb to name a few.

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Valeria is joined by legendary Black Rodeo women such as Carolyn Carter, Stephanie Haynes and Danielle Clark as well as Acynthia Villery and Margo Wade LaDrew in elevating BPIR to the next level.

Additionally, Valeria Howard-Cunningham promoted Margo Wade Ladrew of Wade & Associates Group to BPIR National Development & Marketing Director correlating various aspects of the rodeo.  With over 30 years of experience in sale, marketing, consumer promotions, event management and community relations with a specific focus on African American consumers; Ladrew has worked with the likes of the NAACP Image Awards, Essence TV Awards, The Black Movie Awards, Martin Luther King Community Hospital, KJLH Radio, and Health Net to name a few.  Ladrew is also the founder of The Black BeautyShop "Beauty-n-Black" Wellness Tour that includes Beauty-n-Motion Walk/Run.

While Ladrew still remains coordinator of BPIR LA rodeo (for over 24 years) she has already met milestones by creating partnership between BPIR and Toyota as a National Sponsor.

Inaddition, Valeria Howard Cunningham hired KimiRhochelle Porter of KRPR Media as National Public Relations Director.  Porter has worked as publicist for over 20 years to include clients such as The Long Beach Jazz Festival, The Hapawards, The San Diego Jazz Festival, The Las Vegas City of Lights, The Black College Expo Tour, and The Orange County Black History Parade to name a few.  As well, KRPR Media has provided successful marketing and promotions services to major producers such as AEG, Live Nation, and Golden Boy Promotions; leading to sold out concerts. Porter has worked with BPIR for over 10 years in the LA markets.  As the National Public Relations Director, her role is to coordinate all public relations activities across the board streamlining national media affiliates from a national level and a local stand point.

"I am extremely honored to work with BPIR creating various strategies to include all social online networks, cross marketing various media relations activities to include print and  broadcast,  to bring collaboration efforts with major brands, and to create effective communication streamlines.  As well I am eager to work the BPIR Social Media Director Acynthia Villery to create a YouTube channel, as well as to create more community interaction through Facebook Live, Instagram stories, IGTV, blogging and monthly newsletters," states Porter.

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The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is proud to mention National Sponsors Toyota, Upscale Magazine and Bronner Brothers.

"Toyota celebrates the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo for its contributions to highlighting the history of African American's in the West and for educating Americans about the true diversity of the American West," Alva Adams-Mason, Director, Multicultural Business Alliance and Strategy & Senior Manager, Dealers Relations

Vendor and national/local sponsor opportunities are available to those whom seek to align their brand with a whole hearty family legacy.  In addition, media affiliates are sought.

Please visit  www.billpickettrodeo.com (http://www.billpickettrodeo.com/?utm_source=PRESS+RELEASE+BPIR&utm_campaign=BPIR&utm_medium=email) for information or call 303-373-1246. Media credentials:  press@billpickettrodeo.com

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With Toyota, BPIR is going places!
https://youtu.be/aVh_9nQvqdM



BPIR TOUR DATES:
OAKLAND, CA
Saturday, July 13, 2019 | 2:30 pm
Sunday, July 14, 2019 | 2:30 pm
*
Rowell Ranch Rodeo Ground
9711 Dublin Canyon Road
Hayward, CA

Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, July 20, 2019 | 6:30 pm
Sunday, July 21, 2019 | 3:30 pm
*
Industry Hills Expo Center
16200 Temple Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91744

Atlanta GA
Saturday August 3, 2019 | 7:30pm
Sunday August 4, 2019 | 3:30pm
*
Georgia International Horse Park
1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy
Conyers, GA

Upper Marlboro, MD, DC area and Virginia
Rodeo for Kidz Sake
Friday, September 20, 2019
10:00 AM
*
Bill Picket Championship Rodeo
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019
1:30 pm & 7:30 pm
*
The Show Place Arena
14900 Pennsylvania Ave
Upper Marlboro, MD