Beyoncé’s unforgettable Beyoncé Bowl performance shined a spotlight on the Black cowgirl and rodeo queens. Among the standout moments from the Cowboy Carter halftime show was Ja’Dayia Kursh, Arkansas’ first Black Rodeo Queen. Kursh appeared during “Jolene,” proudly wearing her sash and a bedazzled cowboy hat. This powerful moment sparked a deeper exploration of the Black cowgirl and the women redefining rodeo queen culture.
What is a Rodeo Queen?
A rodeo queen, often synonymous with a cowgirl, is a titleholder who serves as an ambassador for the rodeo community. She promotes the sport and its traditions. Rodeo queens represent the spirit of the Western lifestyle through participation in events, parades, and competitions.
While a rodeo queen’s role often involves wearing boots, a hat, and a dazzling costume, it also requires exceptional horsemanship, public speaking skills, and a deep understanding of rodeo culture. Rodeo queens embody grace, poise, and the values that define the Western world, making them icons both in and beyond the arena.
Black rodeo culture is countrywide, from Michigan to Oklahoma, and even in cities like L.A.
Beyoncé Bowl: A Nod to Black Cowgirl Culture
Beyoncé’s Christmas Day performance for Netflix’s Beyoncé Bowl paid tribute to her country-inspired album, Cowboy Carter. From country music to cowboy traditions, the Texas native’s album underscores the deep influence of Black heritage on Southern culture. Her website, BeenCountry.com, honors her personal history and the broader legacy of Black excellence in the South.
One of the performance’s standout moments featured Ja’Dayia Kursh. Kursh’s appearance brought long-overdue recognition to Black cowgirls and their place in Western traditions. Yet, the broader industry’s response to Cowboy Carter mirrored the challenges faced by Black rodeo queens. Despite its commercial success, the album received no nominations at the 2024 Country Music Awards. This snub reflected the continued erasure of Black contributions in predominantly white spaces.
Beyoncé’s performance was more than entertainment—it was a statement. It connected the resilience of Black cowgirls to her own fight for recognition in country music. Both Black cowgirls and Beyoncé’s work symbolize a shared struggle for acknowledgment and a celebration of cultural pride. This moment at the Beyoncé Bowl reminded the world of the unshakable presence of Black women in shaping Southern and Western identities.
Meet the Trailblazing Rodeo Queens
- Ja’Dayia Kursh (Arkansas, 2017): The Fort Smith native was the first Black Rodeo Queen in Arkansas, paving the way for others in the industry.
- Jessa Thomas (Washington, 2024): Miss Teen Rodeo Washington, representing the next generation of rodeo ambassadors.
- Morissa Hall (Maryland, 2020-2022): Maryland’s Rodeo Queen for two consecutive years, a testament to her impact.
- Lauren Ferrell (Guadalupe County, 2023): A Texan rodeo queen known for her charm and skill in the arena.
- Khalilah Smith (Michigan, 2023): Miss Rodeo Michigan, showcasing her passion for the Western lifestyle on a national stage.
Each of these women exemplifies the strength, resilience, and grace of the Black cowgirl.
Hand selected by Queen Bey to appear in the NFL halftime show, Ja’Dayia Kursh is no stranger to discrimination. She shared a heartbreaking experience of being bullied by a former drill teammate’s brother and called a “monkey”.
In a December 28, 2024 Instagram post, Kursh reflected on her journey within the rodeo community.
I’ve been broken down and brought to my knees time and again in this industry, but nothing has hurt me like the people in the Western world. I’ve been mocked, put down, and told I’m ‘not cowgirl enough.’ I’ve sacrificed my mental health repeatedly to prove my worth to people who chose to misunderstand me for years. Thank you, Parkwood Entertainment, for finally putting respect on my name.
Black Cowgirls Carrying the Legacy Forward
For decades, Black women in the Western industry were largely invisible. Today, Black cowgirls and rodeo queens are breaking barriers, bringing fresh energy to a traditional space. Their boots, hats, and costumes are more than fashion—they are symbols of inclusion, pride, and perseverance. These women are rewriting the narrative, one ride at a time.
