Nationwide — Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is making a major influence by shining a highlight on Black cowboys and equestrian tradition, not simply by means of her music but additionally by means of her philanthropic efforts. Her basis, BeyGOOD, has taken a deep curiosity in supporting the wealthy, but usually neglected, historical past of Black cowboys, cowgirls, farmers, and ranchers. This historical past is significant to understanding the complete narrative of the American West, but it has been largely ignored in mainstream media and historical past books. By specializing in these communities, Beyoncé helps to protect and have fun a vital a part of Black heritage that has formed the American panorama.
In an effort to uplift and maintain these traditions, BeyGOOD has been partnering with the annual Invoice Pickett Rodeo, a historic occasion that has been the heartbeat of Black cowboy tradition for 4 many years. The Invoice Pickett Invitational Rodeo, acknowledged because the longest-running Black rodeo in the USA, is an important gathering for Black cowboys and cowgirls to showcase their expertise and protect their legacy. Via its Equestrian program, BeyGOOD has dedicated $500,000 in grants to assist these communities, demonstrating a powerful dedication to making sure that this necessary cultural heritage is just not misplaced to historical past.
In response to WBLS, the BeyGOOD Basis has already made a tangible influence by taking part within the Los Angeles and Atlanta stops of the Invoice Pickett Rodeo. At these occasions, the inspiration awarded $25,000 in grants to numerous organizations which can be deeply rooted within the Black equestrian group. Among the many recipients have been City Saddles, Love This Equine and Horse Rescue, The Black Cultural Enlightenment Society/Black Cowboy Competition, the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition, and SOOFA Ranch. Every of those organizations performs an important position in selling and sustaining Black equestrian and agricultural traditions.
Based by Beyoncé in 2013, BeyGOOD began as an initiative to assist world causes and has now advanced right into a 501(c)(3) public charity, often known as the BeyGOOD Basis. Over the previous decade, BeyGOOD has engaged in quite a few humanitarian efforts, from offering scholarships to addressing the water disaster in Burundi, and aiding households affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Beyoncé’s imaginative and prescient for the inspiration is to proceed constructing partnerships by means of modern packages which have an enduring influence on communities all over the world.
One of many youngest beneficiaries of the BeyGOOD Equestrian Grants is nine-year-old Kendall Rae Johnson, the youngest farmer in Georgia and the proprietor of Inexperienced Coronary heart. Her success story is a testomony to the significance of nurturing the following era of Black farmers and equestrians. The assist supplied by the BeyGOOD Basis is essential in serving to younger entrepreneurs like Kendall Rae proceed their work and encourage future generations.
The importance of this initiative can’t be overstated. By supporting these grants, the BeyGOOD Basis isn’t just offering monetary help; it’s affirming the worth of Black agricultural and equestrian traditions within the broader American story. These efforts be certain that the legacies of Black cowboys, farmers, and ranchers are acknowledged and celebrated, moderately than forgotten. To be taught extra in regards to the recipients and the work of the BeyGOOD Basis, go to BeyGOOD.org