Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo returns to Los Angeles as Valeria Howard Cunningham is honored in Washington

Valeria Howard Cunningham, president and CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, was recognized in Washington, D.C., as BPIR prepares for the Los Angeles stop of its 42nd Anniversary Legacy Tour on July 18-19. The weekend pairs championship rodeo with the Soul Country Music Star competition, a 30-year service milestone, and a path toward the 2026 national finals.

Why it matters: - The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is using its 42nd Anniversary Legacy Tour to spotlight Black Western heritage, championship rodeo and community programming in major U.S. markets. - The Los Angeles stop adds music, celebrity visibility and youth competition to a rodeo event built around Black cowboys and cowgirls. - The tour also marks leadership continuity, with Valeria Howard Cunningham being honored in Washington and Margo Wade LaDrew celebrating 30 years with the organization.

What happened: - Valeria Howard Cunningham, president and CEO of BPIR, was honored at the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Power 50 Women of Influence Luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. - BPIR followed sold-out performances in Oakland, California, on July 11 and 12 with a return to Los Angeles on Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, at the Industry Hills Expo Center. - The Los Angeles weekend centers on championship rodeo competition, Black Western heritage, soul country music and community impact.

The details: - BPIR says the tour is part of the road to the 2026 BPIR National Finals, set for Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, at Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. - The Maryland finals will include Rodeo for Kidz Sake on Friday morning, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on Friday evening and the Championship Finals Rodeo and celebration on Saturday. - In Los Angeles, doors open at 2:30 p.m. - The Soul Country Music Star Los Angeles Regional Competition and Concert begins at 3:30 p.m. and is hosted by national soul country recording artist Kirk Jay. - The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo starts at 7:00 p.m. - Sunday, July 19, features another afternoon of rodeo competition. - Top African American cowboys and cowgirls will compete in bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, team roping, ranch bronc riding, ladies' steer undecorating and youth events. - The Soul Country Music Star Los Angeles Regional Competition sends one winner to the 2026 Soul Country Music Star National Finals and Festival, set for October 31-November 1 at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. - The regional winner will compete for a $10,000 grand prize, industry recognition and a chance to perform on the 2027 BPIR national tour. - Legendary actors Glynn Turman and James Pickens, Jr. will serve as Grand Marshals. - Actor and producer Reginald T. Dorsey is also among the special guests. - BPIR will honor Margo Wade LaDrew, its National Development & Partnerships Director, for 30 years of service. - LaDrew has helped build national partnerships, expand sponsorships, produce signature events and raise awareness of Black Western heritage. - Tickets for the Soul Country Rodeo Experience and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo are on sale now. - More information is available at BillPickettRodeo.com and SoulCountryMusic.com.

Between the lines: - Cunningham framed the honor as recognition of the broader BPIR community rather than a personal milestone. - The Los Angeles event is designed to widen the audience for rodeo by pairing competition with live music, celebrity participation and cultural celebration. - BPIR continues to position itself as both a sports property and a heritage platform.

What's next: - BPIR heads to Los Angeles for its July 18-19 weekend, then to the DMV for the September 18-19 national finals in Upper Marlboro. - Soul Country Music Star finalists will next compete in Los Angeles at the end-of-year festival and finals. - BPIR and Soul Country Music Star will continue selling tickets and promoting the remaining tour stops online.