Photographer Ivan McClellan Reclaims and Documents Black Rodeo Culture

McClellan's photography project and live events aim to elevate Black athletes and introduce the sport to new urban audiences.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:41pm by Ben Kaplan

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Visual artist and photojournalist Ivan McClellan is spending his career reframing the traditional narrative of the American West, using his lens to capture the grit, grace, and athletic prowess of Black cowboys, cowgirls, and ranch hands. Through his expansive project 'Eight Seconds', McClellan is documenting a living legacy and reminding the world that an estimated one in four cowboys in the 19th century were Black. McClellan has also launched the '8 Seconds Rodeo' live event series to elevate Black riders and introduce rodeo culture to new urban audiences.

Why it matters

McClellan's work challenges the mainstream literary and cinematic narratives that have long marginalized Black contributions to frontier culture. By documenting and amplifying Black rodeo culture, he is reclaiming an important part of American history that has been erased from the 'Traditional West' mythos.

The details

McClellan grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, where the rodeo felt like a space where he didn't belong. But that perception shifted in 2015 when he attended his first Black rodeo, which featured a vibrant fusion of culture. Inspired by this experience, McClellan launched the '8 Seconds Rodeo' live event series, which has grown from 2,000 to 7,000 attendees. The events blend traditional rodeo athletics with contemporary culture, including DJs playing Meek Mill, to introduce the sport to new urban audiences.

  • McClellan's first book, 'Eight Seconds: Black Rodeo Culture: Photographs', was published on April 30, 2024.
  • The book's release coincided with the launch of Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter', creating a perfect storm of visibility for Black cowboy culture.
  • McClellan's upcoming second book, 'Eight Seconds, Legacy in Motion', is scheduled for release in June 2026.

The players

Ivan McClellan

A visual artist and photojournalist who is documenting and amplifying Black rodeo culture through his project 'Eight Seconds'.

Robert Criff

A cowboy with a blonde horse named Summertime, who McClellan discovered lived only a quarter-mile from his childhood home and operated a horse ranch in the very field behind where McClellan grew up.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, McClellan recalls a childhood where the rodeo felt like a space where he didn't belong.”

— Ivan McClellan, Visual artist and photojournalist

“The experience was a revelation, featuring a vibrant fusion of culture: Black women racing horses at 50 miles per hour with acrylic nails clutching the reins, and crowds doing the 'Cupid Shuffle' in their boots.”

— Ivan McClellan, Visual artist and photojournalist

What’s next

McClellan is currently preparing a continuation of his work with Italian publisher Damiani. The new book, titled 'Eight Seconds, Legacy in Motion', is scheduled for release in June 2026, promising a deeper, more intimate exploration of the people who sustain this unique American tradition.

The takeaway

By documenting and amplifying Black rodeo culture, McClellan is reclaiming an important part of American history that has been erased from the 'Traditional West' mythos. His work challenges the mainstream narratives and introduces the sport to new urban audiences, helping to reshape how the 'Old West' is taught and portrayed.