Trailblazing Rodeo Announcer Preserves Black Western History

Acynthia Villery becomes first African American female professional rodeo announcer with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Acynthia Villery, a third-generation rodeo woman from Beaumont, Texas, has broken barriers as the first African American female professional rodeo announcer with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Villery grew up immersed in the Black Western tradition, attending backyard rodeos and trail rides, before joining the Bill Pickett Rodeo in the late 1980s. After decades working behind the scenes, Villery is now co-announcing alongside veteran Marcus Friday and solo-announcing youth rodeos, with the goal of expanding opportunities for women and people of color in the male-dominated sport.

Why it matters

Villery's historic role as the first African American female professional rodeo announcer shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls in Western culture. By preserving these untold stories and advocating for greater diversity in rodeo, Villery is working to challenge the whitewashed narratives that have long dominated the sport.

The details

Villery grew up in a third-generation rodeo family, with her grandfather and two uncles competing and organizing events. Two of her uncles helped establish one of the first all-Black rodeo associations, while another worked as a rodeo secretary and announcer - roles Villery would later hold herself. After joining the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in the late 1980s, Villery spent nearly 30 years working behind the scenes as a rodeo secretary before transitioning to the announcer's stand. Now co-announcing with veteran Marcus Friday, Villery is pursuing her card with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, a rigorous process that would make her one of the few Black women to hold that distinction.

  • Villery began traveling with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in the late 1980s.
  • Last year, Villery solo-announced a youth rodeo, signaling the next chapter in her career.

The players

Acynthia Villery

The first African American female professional rodeo announcer with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, and a third-generation rodeo woman from Beaumont, Texas.

Marcus Friday

Villery's co-announcer at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

Valeria Howard-Cunningham

The CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, who recognized Villery's leadership and encouraged her to pursue announcer training.

Lu Vason

The late founder of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, who first brought Villery into the organization.

Bass Reeves

The formerly enslaved lawman believed to have inspired the Lone Ranger, whose legacy Villery frequently references to educate audiences about the untold history of Black cowboys.

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What they’re saying

“To be a great announcer, you have to know the stats. You have to know the contestants. You need to understand their stories.”

— Acynthia Villery

“He loved her spirit and her passion. She wanted to learn. She wanted to get involved. And she wasn't a person to take no.”

— Valeria Howard-Cunningham, CEO, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

“Being first is something nobody can take away from you. She has made history.”

— Valeria Howard-Cunningham, CEO, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

What’s next

Villery is currently pursuing her card with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, which would make her one of the few Black women to hold that distinction.

The takeaway

Acynthia Villery's trailblazing journey as the first African American female professional rodeo announcer is not just about breaking barriers, but also about preserving the rich history and contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls that have long been overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her work is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in sports and Western culture.