Sometimes referred to as the “Jackie Robinson of rodeo,” Myrtis Dightman made history in 1964 when he became the first African American to compete for the National Finals Rodeo.
In his brilliant career that spanned three decades, he would compete at the NFR a total of seven times.
In 1967 and 1968, Dightman had his two finest years, finishing third and fourth respectively.
Dightman never won a coveted Gold Buckle, but he did win two of the world’s most prestigious rodeos. In 1971, he was the champion at the Calgary Stampede and in 1972, he was victorious at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.
His success in the arena, lead to other ventures such as playing the The Black Marlboro Man and appearing in movies JW Coop and Junior Bonner .
Dightman is a ProRodeo Hall of Famer.