National Multicultural Western Heritage
Museum Hall of Fame Mission
The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Honorees are inducted into The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum Hall of Fame once a year at the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Banquet.
View a History of the National Multicultural
National Multicultural Heritage Museum Hall of Fame Inductees.
The 20th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Banquet Gala Details
The Induction Ceremony Banquet Gala for the 20th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, 200 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, as part of the Museum's Annual National Day of the American Cowboy celebration activities. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee meets each year to review the nomination applications and name the new Inductees. Nominations are accepted throughout the year. If you would like to nominate someone, please complete the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee Application Form.
Deadline for 2024 consideration is 12/31/2023.
How to Make A Nomination for Induction to the 2024 Hall of Fame
- 2024 NOMINATION APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31, 2024
- Email or mail the official application to the Museum’s Administrative Business Office - 2201 Dottie Lynn Parkway, Suite 115, Fort Worth, TX 76120
- Direct questions to the Museum: (817) 534-8801 | Office: (817) 922-9999 or email Museum Executive Director Gloria Austin: gaustin@cowboysofcolor.org
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Download the 2024 Hall of Fame Nomination in PDF Format
Download the 2023 Hall of Fame Nomination - Word Format
Click to View Hall of Fame Press Release
18th Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees
2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
July 23rd-24th, 2022
The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring and documenting
the lives of men and women who have made exemplary contributions to Western Heritage, past and present.
Albert “Al” and Essie Morris | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
Albert “Al” Morris was born on February 19, 1938, in Temple, Bell County, Texas. After growing up in Temple, Al served in the United States Air Force, after which, in the late fifties, he moved to Los Angeles to work as a guitarist. He played in the esteemed back-up band “The People” which opened for major headliners, including James Brown, the Coasters, the Motown luminaries, and more. He also played for the legendary Etta James for five years. Returning home to Texas in the late seventies, Al ran a photography business, capitalizing on an expertise developed in the service. And then Al met Essie, who would become his wife and, for forty years now, the other half of “Mr. and Mrs. Country Soul.”
Essie Pearl Robinson was born on June 14, 1935, in Forest City, Rutherford County, North Carolina, one of eleven children. Her father, the Rev. Milton Robinson, was a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, as well as a newspaper publisher and editor. In high school, Essie distinguished herself as an outstanding student and athlete, and was elected president of both student council and the senior class. Over the next four years, at Livingstone College, Essie majored in biology and played varsity basketball for the school’s undefeated team. Essie married her first husband, the late Chaplain W. L. McDaniel, and they had two children, Xavier Maurice McDaniel, and Alveta Willette (McDaniel) Jackson. In 1975, Essie moved to Temple, Texas, when her husband accepted a position there, and continued working in education, counseling, and school administration (she had by then earned an M.S. in Science Education from Fisk University). After her first marriage had ended, Essie met Al and in 1980 they started a newspaper together, The Cen-Tex Motion, featuring “Minority News & Views of Central Texas.”
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Chris Navarro | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Chris Navarro born January 23,1956 grew up one of five children of Mary and Herbert Navarro. His father was a 30-year military air force officer, a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Since he was 2 years old, Navarro wanted to be a cowboy. He got his first horse when he was 12 years old and joined 4H where he started showing and training western horses. At age 16, Navarro discovered rodeo and started riding broncs and bulls. Navarro says, “The roughest part of riding bulls is not that you’re going to get hurt, it is just when and how bad.” He tells people when he quit riding bulls, he was so poor he couldn't afford to pay attention! Navarro then went to work in the Wyoming oil fields. It was hard physical dirty work with long hours. It was not his dream job, but the pay was good.
Navarro was 23 years old, when he saw “Two Champs”, a bronze sculpture by Harry Jackson that changed his life. Looking at this sculpture, with its raw power and beauty, it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He wanted to have it, but the price tag of the sculpture was $35,000. Navarro thought I could never afford that! But I can make my own.” The next day he bought art supplies, went to the Public Library, and checked out all the books on sculpting. With books and supplies, Navarro started creating his first sculpture. He did not have much going for himself when he first started sculpting, no money or formal training in art. He knew what he lacked in talent and knowledge, he could make up for with effort and desire. “My first piece was a bull rider I created in 1980, called ‘Spinning and Winning.’ It won first place in an art show in Cody, and that’s when I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. He just knew deep inside that he was to follow his instincts. So, listening to his heart and trusting his gut, Navarro took a leap of faith. As Navarro states, “If you really want something bad enough you have to be willing to take a chance and put in the effort to make it happen.”
DeBoraha Akin-Townson | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
A cowgirl of distinction, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racer, DeBoraha Akin-Townson was the object of national attention in the early 1990’s when she became the first African American woman to qualify for a major rodeo finals-The International Finals Rodeo. However, shortly thereafter, she left the competitive circuit to devote her full attention to raising her family.
Born in Rockford, Illinois, the rodeo lifestyle or owning a horse was a mere fantasy until she became an adult. After being introduced to this new world, DeBoraha purchased several horses and underwent many years of training. It quickly became apparent that this would be no part-time hobby for DeBoraha. She was on a mission to become the best barrel racer that she could become.
In 1984, her rodeo career began and within four years success came on the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo circuit, where she was barrel racing champion for three consecutive years, as well as the All-Around Champion for 1989 and 1990. In 1989, Akin joined the International Professional Rodeo Association, where she immediately won the Western Region Barrel Racing Championship and finished second for Rookie of the Year honors. DeBoraha also finished the year ranked in the Top 20 in the world championship standings.
Although three of her children competed in rodeos throughout the junior and high school rodeo ranks, only her eldest son, Lee Akin made rodeo a full-time profession like his mother. All of her children began their horse careers as members of Ramona Rancheros 4-H program in Hemet, California, competing in regional and state horse shows and horse bowl competitions, while DeBoraha assisted with the horse project.
After her children left 4-H for Jr. and High School rodeo DeBoraha became active in District 8 High School Rodeo and was the Queen Pageant Director. In more recent years DeBoraha has volunteered with District 9 High School Rodeo as Secretary.
Samuel George Davis, Jr., known as someone who could do it all, sing, dance, play instruments, act, stand-up comedy, was born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, Manhattan, New York, the son of dancer Elvera (Sanchez) Davis and vaudeville star Sammy Davis, Sr. By the age of four, after learning to tap, Davis began his career in vaudeville with his father in the Will Mastin Trio which toured nationally. He made his film debut in the 1932 short “Rufus Jones For President”, showing off the tap-dancing skills taught by the legendary Bill “Bo Jangles” Robinson.
In 1944, during World War II, Davis was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18. He was frequently abused by white soldiers from the South and later recounted: "I must have had a knockdown, drag-out fight every two days." His nose was broken numerous times and permanently flattened. He was reassigned to the Army's Special Services branch, which put on performances for troops. Davis, who earned the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal, was honorably discharged. Davis, Jr. later said, "My talent was the weapon, the power, the way for me to fight. It was the one way I might hope to affect a man's thinking." Sammy Davis, Jr., appeared on numerous early television shows like The Rifleman, in Two Ounces of Tin”, where he showcased his fast and fancy gun spinning skills, as well as guest starring on several television and movie westerns showing off this skill. Davis was an enthusiastic shooter and gun owner. He participated in fast-draw competitions. Johnny Cash recalled that Davis was said to be capable of drawing and firing a Colt Single Action Army revolver in less than a quarter of a second.
Harry Belafonte | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Harry Belafonte, (Harold George Bellanfanti, Jr.), born March 1, 1927, in Harlem, in New York City, is an American singer, songwriter, activist, and actor. One of the most successful Jamaican American pop stars, as he popularized the Trinbagonian Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. His breakthrough album Calypso was the first million-selling LP by a single artist.
Belafonte is known for his recording of "The Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". He has recorded and performed in many genres, including blues, folk, gospel, show tunes, and American standards. Early on he has also starred in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) and the widely known and studied for its political relevance Buck and the Preacher (1972); a film he produced and starred in with Sir Sidney Poitier, the film’s director. His list of discographies, stage work, filmography, and television work, is extensive and covers the 1950’s to the current year of 2022.
Belafonte considered the actor, singer and activist Paul Robeson a mentor and was a close confidant of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. As he later recalled, "Paul Robeson had been my first great formative influence; you might say he gave me my backbone. Martin King was the second; he nourished my soul." Throughout his career, Belafonte has been an advocate for political and humanitarian causes, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and USA for Africa. Since 1987, he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He was a vocal critic of the policies of the George W. Bush presidential administrations. Belafonte acts as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.
Reginald T. Dorsey | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
American Film and Television Actor/Filmmaker Reginald T. Dorsey was born and raised in Dallas, Texas until he was 10 years old. His family then moved to San Jose, California where he was an outstanding student and High School athlete, excelling in football and track. However, the quest for him to act proved to be more powerful though than his athletic dreams. After attending an open call with his mother back in Dallas for extra work in the film "Book of Numbers," Filmmaker Raymond St. Jacques spotted the young 13-year-old and wrote a lead part for him in the film. The rest is history as they say and at 16 years old, he left home for Hollywood to pursue his calling as an actor and filmmaker. Now a veteran in the film and TV business his respect and passion for his craft is even greater after many years of sacrifice and dedication. His credits are extensive, "Miracle Of The Heart; A Boys Town Story," "21 Jump St.," "Booker," "Return To Lonesome Dove," Critically Acclaimed "South Central," "The Cherokee Kid" and the Award Winning "Kings Of The Evening," which he also produced are just a few from his body of work. A true "Texas Cowboy" his whole life, Reginald's other passions are raising horses, competing in rodeos, most notably The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and others where he has won Championships in Team Roping and Team Penning. His work with children and touching people’s lives in a meaningful way continues to be a source of inspiration for him as an artist and as a man, giving all the glory to God for his many blessings.
Anthony “Tony” Brubaker | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Anthony “Tony” Brubaker is a former Hollywood Stuntman, Stunt Coordinator and Actor. Standing at 6’3”, Brubaker had his first experience in the industry when he doubled Otis Young, in ABC Western “The Outcast”, the year was 1969 and it was a time when most cowboys were portrayed as white when, throughout the West there were large numbers of Black, Indigenous and cowboys of color in the real world. One of the many struggles that a stunt person of color encountered during the sixties was, instead of casting Black stuntmen, Hollywood directors hired white males and painted their faces to perform the stunts of Black actors. Tony was able to associate with a powerful organization, The Black Stuntmen’s Association (BSA) which was formed out of a necessity to break down these barriers and ultimately resulted in paving the way for many of today’s Black entertainers, in front of and behind the camera.
Tony was inducted into the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures in 1973, where he holds the title of Lifetime Member. Tony has had the pleasure of working with some of Hollywood’s greatest actors, writers, directors, and producers. Tony has worked in over 325 productions across the globe and done it all from crashing cars, motorcycle stunts, fire burns, fights, and high falls. One of his most memorable stunts, was from “Blown Away,” filmed in 1995 starting Tommy Lee Jones, Jeff Bridges and Forest Whitaker. Tony along with Vince Deadrick, Jr., held the world-record for largest film explosion for more than 20 years. The explosion, however, was anything but miniature, lasting for only 7.5 seconds, Tony and Vince ran across the bridge in the Boston Harbor before the explosion took out the entire bridge. Tony’s creativity, safe work practices, attention to detail and well-proven track record garner him the respect in the business of film and television; all the while never forgetting the responsibility, he held for paving the way for others.
Danny Glover | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Accomplished actor, producer, film director, political activist and humanitarian, Danny Glover (born Danny Lebern Glover) has been a commanding presence on the screen, stage, and television for more than thirty (30) years. As an actor his film credits range from the blockbuster Lethal Weapon franchise to smaller independent features, some of which Danny also produced.
Danny Glover was honored with the President’s Award for being a true inspiration who always uses his celebrity status to advance the cause of social justice and respect for a diverse society during the 49th NAACP Image Award, on January 15, 2018. The actor, who has spent decades involved with community and labor activism, advocating for economic justice and education, was honored for his work in film and TV. The “Color Purple” star continues to lend his celebrity to causes that matter, make an impact, spark social change, and create dialogue. Glover has portrayed a myriad of popular roles and has distinguished himself as one of his generation’s most consummate actors. Glover’s performances in such classic motion pictures as “Witness” and “Places in the Heart,” have not only displayed his talent and versatility but have also brought him critical and audience acclaim. Honored with Awards from the NAACP, BET and SAG.
Glover is a sought-after public speaker, delivering inspiring addresses and moving performances on social justice, diversity, activism, and global citizenship to audiences of diverse sizes and cultures at college campuses, business conventions and annual conferences. Drawing from expertise, Glover is able to contextualize contemporary issues, and offer practical wisdom to new generations on building peace, unity, and democracy across racial, ethnic, and gender lines. On March 25, 2022, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) honored Mr. Glover with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Governors Awards ceremony. Of the numerous prestigious accolades he has received, Glover also received nominations for four Primetime Emmy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a Daytime Emmy Award.
Sir Sidney Poitier | 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee – Posthumous
Sir Sidney Poitier was Hollywood’s first major Black box office star, constantly blazing trails with film roles such as Dr. John Wade Prentice in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and Mark Thackeray in “To Sir, With Love,” as well as with his activism in the heart of the Civil Rights era. Sidney Poitier was born prematurely on February 20, 1927, in Miami, Florida, to Evelyn (née Outten) and Reginald James Poitier, Afro-Bahamian farmers. His birth in the United States entitled him to US citizenship. Poitier grew up on Cat Island, Bahamas where his parents owned a farm and returned as a teenager to the United States, where he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in a medical unit. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended the American Negro Theatre (ANT) in New York City. In 1946 he made his Broadway debut in Lysistrata.
Poitier’s first credited film role was Dr. Luther Brooks, a Black doctor who treats a bigoted white criminal, in “No Way Out” (1950). The movie established a significant pattern both for Poitier himself and for the Black actors who followed him; by refusing roles that played to racial stereotypes. After the western “Duel at Diablo” (1966), Poitier starred in a series of acclaimed films. In 1972 Poitier made his directorial debut with “Buck and the Preacher”, a western movie. Sidney Poitier, alongside actor-producer Harry Belafonte, helped rewrite the history of the western, bringing Black heroes to a genre in which they had always been sorely underrepresented. Throughout the 1970s, he directed mostly comedies, which culminated with his work with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor on 1980’s hugely successful “Stir Crazy”, (the first film by a Black director to gross more than $100 million at the box office). The Bahamian American actor, director, and producer broke the color barrier in the U.S. motion-picture industry by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor for “Lilies of the Field” (1963). His final role was in “The Last Brickmaker in America” (2001), a TV movie about a grieving widower whose job is becoming obsolete.
On Sidney Poitier, “…a man of great depth, a man of great social concern, a man who is dedicated to human rights and freedom.”…. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Obba Babatundé
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Obba Babatundé is an actor, singer, dancer, director, writer, and producer. Obba's breadth of work is known worldwide by audiences of all ages, and his face is one of the most recognizable in the entertainment industry. His career spans over 4 decades and he is a unique breed in today's industry as a triple-threat (and more). Obba is comfortable in the expression of various musical instruments and all forms of dance. In addition to his award-winning performances on stage and screen, he is a nationally renowned speaker and master class teacher for adult and young audiences alike. Obba has often been referred to and is considered a 'living legend' and is a treasured role model to actors and entertainers of all generations. Central to Obba's career is his unrelenting work ethic and his pursuit of a standard of excellence in everything he does.
Amongst Obba's many professional awards and nominations is his Daytime Emmy Award win (2016) for CBS's Bold & the Beautiful, his Emmy nominated performance in the HBO movie "Miss Evers' Boys," his Tony Award nomination for his role as "C.C. White," in the original Broadway cast of "Dreamgirls", his "Best Actor" Award win for the Musical "Sammy" from the San Diego Critic's Circle Awards, his NAACP Image Award win as "Best Actor" for his role as "Sarge" in "A Soldiers Play", the NAACP Trailblazer Award win, an NAACP Image Award-nominated performance in the HBO movie "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," multiple Ovation Award nominations, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Peachtree Village International Film Festival. Obba has appeared in more than 17 stage productions (several on Broadway), 33 films, 60+ television series and made-for-television movies. Presently, Obba can be seen in 4 prime-time series for; Netflix (Dear White People), Showtime (I'm Dying Up Here), Comedy Central (Detroiters) and CBS (Bold & Beautiful). Many people will remember him from his groundbreaking entry into the entertainment industry during his international tour and co-starring role with Liza Minnelli in "Liza in Concert", which lead to his close relationship with professional mentor, Sammy Davis Jr. Obba's contributions and starring role (as CC White) in the original production of Dreamgirls on Broadway is one of his most treasured accomplishments.
His distinct, unique speaking and singing voice can be heard in multiple ads, commercials, as well as narration for docu-dramas. Obba has dedicated his life and career to sharing his time, expertise, and creative talents with all people, be it professional or personal. He has an uncanny way of making everyone feel as if he is always speaking to them directly and personally. In addition to his on-going acting and artistic projects, Obba is constantly being asked to teach, emcee, host, serve as a keynote speaker and facilitate classes, events, festivals, and projects around the world. He leaves an indelible mark everywhere he goes. Obba often says "your do is not your who." When asked to explain, he says "your do is how you affect change in your life. Your who if how you affect change in someone else's life."
Obba's journey into the entertainment industry became intentional in high school when he began writing poetry and then, while attending Brooklyn College. His pursuits deepened when he began to expand his poems into one-act plays. Simultaneously, he immersed himself into the New York theatre and dance worlds. Studying under many noted directors and choreographers like Geoffrey Holder, Bob Fossey, Michael Bennett, Hal Prince, Thelma Hill, Frank Hatchett, Henry LeTang, Louis Johnson and Titos Sompa just to name a few. Some little-known facts about Obba are that he has a strong background rooted in the educational field. He was a co-founder with his brother Akin Babatundé and teacher of one of NYC's first arts-based schools (in Brooklyn, NY). He is fluent in American Sign Language (self-taught), a horse whisperer, as well as a rodeo competitor. Obba is a dedicated father and proud grandfather. It has been said, that Obba has a way of communicating that helps inspire, encourage, and enlighten through his stories and phrases that he identifies as "Obba-isms." "As proud as I am of all that I have done, I am even more excited about what I am to do." - Obba Babatundé
Darrell Barron
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
One of the most colorful and recognized men in the rodeo world, Darrell Barron has done it all! During his college days where he was a 2-time qualifier for the College National Finals, Darrell competed in Bareback, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, Tie-Down and Team Roping events. He won the CNFR Steer Wrestling Championship in 1975. As a member of the PRCA since 1971, he has competed in Bareback, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping events. He's been a pickup man for some of the best contractors in the business including Harry Vold, Christensen Brothers, and Beutler and Son Rodeo Company. Darrell has won at Cheyenne, Phillipsburg, Santa Fe, and Colorado Springs! He knows rodeo, knows what it takes to compete, and is one of the most well rounded and respected men in the sport.
With that kind of background, it was a natural move for Darrell Barron's expertise to be in demand on the arena floor. For 16 years he served as Arena Director for the College National Finals Rodeo and was Livestock Superintendent and Arena Director for the Texas Circuit Finals for 15 years. From 1976-1987, Darrell was Livestock Superintendent and Riding Event Chute Boss for Cheyenne Frontier Days and has served in the same capacity for other major events across the country. Darrell Barron has been easily recognizable at the Wrangler National Finals since 1982 where, with his distinctive mustache, hat, and high-top cowboy boots, he has directed activities as the Riding Event Chute Boss.
With such a resume, it is no wonder that Darrell Barron serves as Director of the Rodeo Historical Society for the National Cowboy and western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and in 2010 became Director of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. In 2008, Darrell was honored to be inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
When he's not busy with some of the duties above, Darrell enjoys team roping, building spurs, and working with horses with his wife Lee.
What does Darrell have to say about Priefert' "In my 35 years around the rodeo industry, I have worked with a variety of chute equipment manufacturers. However, nothing compares to Priefert bucking chutes when it comes to a secure system that includes safety for both contestants and livestock or functional components and reliability."
We are proud that men like Darrell recognize what we have accomplished and are willing to share their respected opinion with others who may be trying to decide what equipment is best for their rodeo!
Aldrich Everett
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Aldrich Lynn Everett was born July 6, 1941, in Webster, Florida, to Willie James and Willie Mae (Mitchell) Everett. Aldrich aka “Al” has 6 sisters and 6 brothers with him being the eighth born of thirteen children. Al attended Mills High Elementary for both primary and secondary education. At the age of 8 years Al and his brothers would wake in the early morning hours at daybreak to work on the farm prior to attending school. Al sometimes walked, rode horses, rode the tractor, or caught the school bus to school. After school Al would walk, ride a horse, ride the tractor, or catch the bus to work on the farm with his father Willie James Everett. Once Al arrived on the farm he would work with the cattle (i.e.: spraying, feeding, lassoing, branding or share taking) planting, transplanting, stripping cane irrigating the plants or whatever needed to be done. After working on the farm with his father, Al went to basketball practice and homework would be done late at night. Al grew up in a family of people that trained horses. Al’s father had trailers that pulled behind the trucks and Al was responsible for transporting the livestock for other people who didn’t have transportation to get their cattle to the sale barn. Al also attended to cattle on ranches where people could not or did not know how to take care of the cattle. All of this led to Al’s passion of working with cows and horses. This path led Al to become ranch owner and cowboy until this day.
At 18 years old, Al was a Foreman of Little River Ranch in Pasco County in Dade City, FL. As a foreman of the ranch Al branded, castrated, and performed duties of the veterinarians of all dominions. Al was very a highly skilled and experienced animal handler; and his degree of knowledge secured his position. The ranch owner was W.M. Larkins, and that ranch still exists today. In 1958 – 1959 Al and his brothers put on the first all black rodeo on State Road 200 in Hernando County. The property owners where the rodeo was held was owned by The Bellamy Brothers. Al and his brother Thomas and other friends were riders in the rodeo while his brother Lucious performed as the rodeo clown. They also had a job catching cattle off 20,000 acres in Hernando County that borders the Withchoochee River. In 1964, Al quit the ranch and attended Johnson Junior College in Leesburg, FL for two years. When the schools were integrated, the name of Johnson Junior College was changed to Lake Sumter Community College. Al’s major was Physical Education. After attending Johnson Junior College, Al was drafted into the United States Army in 1966. Al was in the Army for two years. Al took basic training in Fort Bennett, Georgia. Al took AIT at Port Odd, California and he was a member of the 101st Airborne Division ETS out of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Al also attended Jones Business College for one year and he attended Indian River Community College (IRCC) for one year (both located) in Fort Pierce, FL.
In 1970, Al started Everett Brother’s Harvesting where he bought and sold fruit and vegetables that he purchased from other companies. With the proceeds made from Everett Brother’s Harvesting, Al was able to expand his farm by buying and selling cattle from his ranch. This brought Al back to his roots of breaking in and training horses and attending to his cattle. After all the things Al wanted to be in life, Al wanted to be a cowboy/ranch owner and work with his horses and cows. Being a cowboy and an owner of a ranch is what Al is most proud of and what Al wanted to be even as a child, and he reached his goal. Al’s words of wisdom to anyone wanting to be a cowboy, “make sure that you love animals and that it makes you happy, don’t just do it for the money. Be able to give others good advice and show them the ropes to make them better at working with the animals, nursing them back to health and being of assistance to the life of the animals that you’ll be working with.”
Obba Babatundé
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Obba Babatundé is an actor, singer, dancer, director, writer, and producer. Obba's breadth of work is known worldwide by audiences of all ages, and his face is one of the most recognizable in the entertainment industry. His career spans over 4 decades and he is a unique breed in today's industry as a triple-threat (and more). Obba is comfortable in the expression of various musical instruments and all forms of dance. In addition to his award-winning performances on stage and screen, he is a nationally renowned speaker and master class teacher for adult and young audiences alike. Obba has often been referred to and is considered a 'living legend' and is a treasured role model to actors and entertainers of all generations. Central to Obba's career is his unrelenting work ethic and his pursuit of a standard of excellence in everything he does.
Amongst Obba's many professional awards and nominations is his Daytime Emmy Award win (2016) for CBS's Bold & the Beautiful, his Emmy nominated performance in the HBO movie "Miss Evers' Boys," his Tony Award nomination for his role as "C.C. White," in the original Broadway cast of "Dreamgirls", his "Best Actor" Award win for the Musical "Sammy" from the San Diego Critic's Circle Awards, his NAACP Image Award win as "Best Actor" for his role as "Sarge" in "A Soldiers Play", the NAACP Trailblazer Award win, an NAACP Image Award-nominated performance in the HBO movie "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," multiple Ovation Award nominations, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Peachtree Village International Film Festival. Obba has appeared in more than 17 stage productions (several on Broadway), 33 films, 60+ television series and made-for-television movies. Presently, Obba can be seen in 4 prime-time series for; Netflix (Dear White People), Showtime (I'm Dying Up Here), Comedy Central (Detroiters) and CBS (Bold & Beautiful). Many people will remember him from his groundbreaking entry into the entertainment industry during his international tour and co-starring role with Liza Minnelli in "Liza in Concert", which lead to his close relationship with professional mentor, Sammy Davis Jr. Obba's contributions and starring role (as CC White) in the original production of Dreamgirls on Broadway is one of his most treasured accomplishments.
His distinct, unique speaking and singing voice can be heard in multiple ads, commercials, as well as narration for docu-dramas. Obba has dedicated his life and career to sharing his time, expertise, and creative talents with all people, be it professional or personal. He has an uncanny way of making everyone feel as if he is always speaking to them directly and personally. In addition to his on-going acting and artistic projects, Obba is constantly being asked to teach, emcee, host, serve as a keynote speaker and facilitate classes, events, festivals, and projects around the world. He leaves an indelible mark everywhere he goes. Obba often says "your do is not your who." When asked to explain, he says "your do is how you affect change in your life. Your who if how you affect change in someone else's life."
Obba's journey into the entertainment industry became intentional in high school when he began writing poetry and then, while attending Brooklyn College. His pursuits deepened when he began to expand his poems into one-act plays. Simultaneously, he immersed himself into the New York theatre and dance worlds. Studying under many noted directors and choreographers like Geoffrey Holder, Bob Fossey, Michael Bennett, Hal Prince, Thelma Hill, Frank Hatchett, Henry LeTang, Louis Johnson and Titos Sompa just to name a few. Some little-known facts about Obba are that he has a strong background rooted in the educational field. He was a co-founder with his brother Akin Babatundé and teacher of one of NYC's first arts-based schools (in Brooklyn, NY). He is fluent in American Sign Language (self-taught), a horse whisperer, as well as a rodeo competitor. Obba is a dedicated father and proud grandfather. It has been said, that Obba has a way of communicating that helps inspire, encourage, and enlighten through his stories and phrases that he identifies as "Obba-isms." "As proud as I am of all that I have done, I am even more excited about what I am to do." - Obba Babatundé
Darrell Barron
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
One of the most colorful and recognized men in the rodeo world, Darrell Barron has done it all! During his college days where he was a 2-time qualifier for the College National Finals, Darrell competed in Bareback, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, Tie-Down and Team Roping events. He won the CNFR Steer Wrestling Championship in 1975. As a member of the PRCA since 1971, he has competed in Bareback, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping events. He's been a pickup man for some of the best contractors in the business including Harry Vold, Christensen Brothers, and Beutler and Son Rodeo Company. Darrell has won at Cheyenne, Phillipsburg, Santa Fe, and Colorado Springs! He knows rodeo, knows what it takes to compete, and is one of the most well rounded and respected men in the sport.
With that kind of background, it was a natural move for Darrell Barron's expertise to be in demand on the arena floor. For 16 years he served as Arena Director for the College National Finals Rodeo and was Livestock Superintendent and Arena Director for the Texas Circuit Finals for 15 years. From 1976-1987, Darrell was Livestock Superintendent and Riding Event Chute Boss for Cheyenne Frontier Days and has served in the same capacity for other major events across the country. Darrell Barron has been easily recognizable at the Wrangler National Finals since 1982 where, with his distinctive mustache, hat, and high-top cowboy boots, he has directed activities as the Riding Event Chute Boss.
With such a resume, it is no wonder that Darrell Barron serves as Director of the Rodeo Historical Society for the National Cowboy and western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and in 2010 became Director of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. In 2008, Darrell was honored to be inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
When he's not busy with some of the duties above, Darrell enjoys team roping, building spurs, and working with horses with his wife Lee.
What does Darrell have to say about Priefert' "In my 35 years around the rodeo industry, I have worked with a variety of chute equipment manufacturers. However, nothing compares to Priefert bucking chutes when it comes to a secure system that includes safety for both contestants and livestock or functional components and reliability."
We are proud that men like Darrell recognize what we have accomplished and are willing to share their respected opinion with others who may be trying to decide what equipment is best for their rodeo!
Aldrich Everett
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Aldrich Lynn Everett was born July 6, 1941, in Webster, Florida, to Willie James and Willie Mae (Mitchell) Everett. Aldrich aka “Al” has 6 sisters and 6 brothers with him being the eighth born of thirteen children. Al attended Mills High Elementary for both primary and secondary education. At the age of 8 years Al and his brothers would wake in the early morning hours at daybreak to work on the farm prior to attending school. Al sometimes walked, rode horses, rode the tractor, or caught the school bus to school. After school Al would walk, ride a horse, ride the tractor, or catch the bus to work on the farm with his father Willie James Everett. Once Al arrived on the farm he would work with the cattle (i.e.: spraying, feeding, lassoing, branding or share taking) planting, transplanting, stripping cane irrigating the plants or whatever needed to be done. After working on the farm with his father, Al went to basketball practice and homework would be done late at night. Al grew up in a family of people that trained horses. Al’s father had trailers that pulled behind the trucks and Al was responsible for transporting the livestock for other people who didn’t have transportation to get their cattle to the sale barn. Al also attended to cattle on ranches where people could not or did not know how to take care of the cattle. All of this led to Al’s passion of working with cows and horses. This path led Al to become ranch owner and cowboy until this day.
At 18 years old, Al was a Foreman of Little River Ranch in Pasco County in Dade City, FL. As a foreman of the ranch Al branded, castrated, and performed duties of the veterinarians of all dominions. Al was very a highly skilled and experienced animal handler; and his degree of knowledge secured his position. The ranch owner was W.M. Larkins, and that ranch still exists today. In 1958 – 1959 Al and his brothers put on the first all black rodeo on State Road 200 in Hernando County. The property owners where the rodeo was held was owned by The Bellamy Brothers. Al and his brother Thomas and other friends were riders in the rodeo while his brother Lucious performed as the rodeo clown. They also had a job catching cattle off 20,000 acres in Hernando County that borders the Withchoochee River. In 1964, Al quit the ranch and attended Johnson Junior College in Leesburg, FL for two years. When the schools were integrated, the name of Johnson Junior College was changed to Lake Sumter Community College. Al’s major was Physical Education. After attending Johnson Junior College, Al was drafted into the United States Army in 1966. Al was in the Army for two years. Al took basic training in Fort Bennett, Georgia. Al took AIT at Port Odd, California and he was a member of the 101st Airborne Division ETS out of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Al also attended Jones Business College for one year and he attended Indian River Community College (IRCC) for one year (both located) in Fort Pierce, FL.
In 1970, Al started Everett Brother’s Harvesting where he bought and sold fruit and vegetables that he purchased from other companies. With the proceeds made from Everett Brother’s Harvesting, Al was able to expand his farm by buying and selling cattle from his ranch. This brought Al back to his roots of breaking in and training horses and attending to his cattle. After all the things Al wanted to be in life, Al wanted to be a cowboy/ranch owner and work with his horses and cows. Being a cowboy and an owner of a ranch is what Al is most proud of and what Al wanted to be even as a child, and he reached his goal. Al’s words of wisdom to anyone wanting to be a cowboy, “make sure that you love animals and that it makes you happy, don’t just do it for the money. Be able to give others good advice and show them the ropes to make them better at working with the animals, nursing them back to health and being of assistance to the life of the animals that you’ll be working with.”
Clarence Gonzales*
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Clarence was born to Horace Gonzales and Celeste Hunt Gonzales March 31, 1931, in San Antonio, TX. As soon as he was able Clarence attended his first rodeo at a county fair. His love for rodeo took him out of his childhood home to Albert George Ranch (which today is a historical park) in Booth/Richmond, TX. As a ranch hand Clarence love for rodeo grew while working with horses and cattle. In 1958, he attended the Madison Square Garden Rodeo Championship in New York and later in 1972 in Harlem New York he had a role in the movie “Black Rodeo” based on Black cowboys coming to New York featuring Muhammad Ali. Clarence has several awards, buckles, and trophies from the numerous rodeos he had participated in. In early years, he competed in all events including bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling. But steer wrestling turned out to be his favorite rodeo event.
Clarence was married to Zelma Ruth Solomon and they had 5 children, (Rynae Grant), earlier marriage of Zelma. He settled in Richmond, TX, where they raised their family. Clarence attended as many rodeo events as he could find within traveling distance. He worked and retired from Brown and Root construction in 1993. After retirement, Clarence started promoting rodeos in small towns surrounding the Richmond, TX, area such as Kendleton, Egypt and McBeth.
Clarence still has the spirit of rodeo in his soul and it was passed down to his youngest son Kevin whose love for rodeo was as great as his father’s as they traveled to many rodeos together. All the family helped put on the promotion of the rodeos with his sons helping out in any capacity needed to help the event succeed. Clarence’s love for rodeo will be with him till his dying days.
Lynn Hart
Lyndon “Lynn” Hart
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Lynn (Smokey) Hart was born December 11, 1960 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was abandoned three days after being born and placed in a foster home without a name. Lynn never knew either of his biological parents (African American father and Native American mother). He was raised in Chancellor, South Dakota by a single German women and devoted Christian, Elizabeth Ulfers. Lynn was raised in the church and grew up on a corn farm in a German community until the passing of his foster mother, when he was 10. He was immediately shipped off to Landover, MD and placed in a foster home again and subsequently adopted by Jim and Lois Hart. The Harts also adopted twin girls who were also mixed (black and white). In the 1960’s it was not common for whites to adopt mixed children, yet the Harts did and accepted the children as their own. Lynn was first exposed to people of color during his time in Maryland. Prior to that all he knew about were white people. It was a cultural shock for Lynn. He later found that learning how to be black and native American was a bit of a challenge to say the least. Despite the challenges Lynn become proud as he learned about his heritage.
After a couple of years in Maryland, Lynn let his parents know that he longed to return to South Dakota. The Harts were professors at Prince George’s College in Maryland, but Lois had roots in Watertown, South Dakota and out of the love the Harts had for their son Lynn and their fear he would want to leave them, they gave up their careers in teaching and moved the family to Watertown, SD to the delight of Lynn. Lynn graduated from Watertown High School. Lynn proudly served his country as a United States Marine. After being discharged, Lynn became a Ranch Hand at the Badlands Ranch in Reva, SD. There he learned everything a ranch hand does. He often states, that if you looked up Ranch Hand in Webster’s Dictionary, you’d probably see his picture.
As Lynn grew up, he became subjected to the challenges of two oppressed minorities in America (African American and the Native American), even though the Hart’s loved him and his sisters dearly. Lynn became an advocate and community activist for both ethnicities of his heritage.
In 1990, Lynn fought vigorously and testified before the State Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives in South Dakota. At the time, South Dakota was one of four states in the country that did not recognize Martin Luther King’s birthday as a National holiday. His relentless efforts and testimony were instrumental for not only getting a bill passed to recognize King’s birthday, but also a bill for “Native American Day” on the second Monday in October, replacing Columbus Day. This legislation led Governor Mickelson to support a measure that pledged 1990 as the Year of Reconciliation. This resulted in the opening of dialogue between Indians and non-Indians in South Dakota. Subsequently, Lynn was honored by state representatives for his efforts.
On January 13, 1992, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, music legend Stevie Wonder and then FBI director William Sessions, honored and presented Lynn with the “National Making of King Holiday Award,” in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Martin Luther King Federal Holiday Committee.
Lynn is a cowboy that has worked as a ranch hand and stunt man. Lynn was a rodeo bull-rider and fighter during a long-term association with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Lynn designed the National logo for the Native American Women Warriors. Lynn testified again and was instrumental in the passing of HB1242 Tribal ID bill in South Dakota enacted July 3, 2011 which allowed all Tribal ID’s to be accepted in South Dakota as a legal form of identification.
Lynn was a personal guest of the King family’s 50th Anniversary of the “I Have a Dream Speech and March on Washington” in 2013.
Currently Lynn is a husband and father and has a strong passion to help develop and provide opportunities for future generations of African and Native American leaders. Lynn speaks and teaches on reservations about parts of history that seem to have been inadvertently omitted from school textbooks. Lynn tells others, “Being a person of strong cultures is the greatest blessings of all; my DNA make me rise whenever I fall.”
Jean Prescott
2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Born and raised in West Texas, to Earl Victor and Wanda Joyce (Stroud) Bruce, Jean Prescott grew up horseback living and loving the rural western lifestyle. This way of life and her love of music came together over the years and led to the best of both worlds for her. Jean’s music is referred to as “The spiritual essence of the west”. With that in mind, the Texas Legislature recognized Jean for her contribution to the preservation of Texas history through her music. Jean’s songs and her beautiful delivery of them paint vivid musical pictures of the way of life in the real west of yesterday and today.
2018 marked the 25th anniversary of Jean’s full-time music career and she loves to share her songs with her fans today just as much now as she did in the very beginning. This multiple award-winning singer/songwriter is widely appreciated for her rich, alto voice and her warm stage presence that draws her audience into each song she sings. Sometimes called “The First Lady of Western Music”, Jean is proud to have the opportunity to entertain and mentor young musicians and singers who also love the western lifestyle and its music.
Jean is devoted to God, her family, her country and cowboy and western music and its preservation. Many of her songs tell stories of the women of the west then and now. Passing down the history of their experiences is something that is near and dear to Jean’s heart.
In 2017, Jean and her husband Gary released their multiple award-winning CD “Satisfied Hearts”. Jean says, “Singing from a satisfied heart is what it’s all about.” It ranked in the top 10 of the most played CDs by western music DJs for over 2 years. And, at one time a record-breaking five songs from this CD were included in the Top 10 Western Songs played by western DJs!
Dedicated to pursuing and preserving the way of life they love, Jean and singer/songwriter husband, Gary Prescott, make their home south of Abilene, Texas, on a small ranch where they raise Black Angus cattle, and she continues to write songs about the cowboy way of life.