Myrtis Dightman

Myrtis Dightman is a Champion Afro-American Bull Rider from the 1960s and 70s. Born in 1935 in Crockett, TX. Myrtis was a successful rodeo bull rider during the 1960s & 1970s. He is considered to be the Jackie Robinson of modern American Rodeo. Myrtis started his career as a Bull Fighter then soon switched to riding bulls. He was the first black cowboy to compete at the National Finals Rodeo. In 1967 & 1968 he finished 3rd in the PRCA World Standings. In 1971 he won the Calgary Stampede. In 1972 he was hired to do stunts for the rodeo movie J.W. Coop. He was a big influence on Charles Sampson. In 2001 he was inducted ti the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in Belton, TX. In 2003 he was inducted into the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame. Also in 2003 the PBR inducted him into the Ring of Honor. In October 2006 a benefit concert featuring Michael Martin Murphey, and Don Edwards, was held to raise funds for a bronze statue in his honor. It was placed at the entrance of the Porth Ag Arena in Crockett, TX. This rodeo arena hosts the annual Labor Day Rodeo that bears his name.