Photojournalist and filmmaker Ivan McClellan shared his experience of growing up watching westerns like “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza,” but noticing the lack of Black cowboys represented. Intrigued by the blend of Black and western cultures, McClellan felt a deep desire to document and share this overlooked aspect of American history. His dedication to showcasing the stories and contributions of the Black rodeo community led him to helm the second annual Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo in Portland and release the photobook “Eight Seconds: Black Rodeo Culture: Photographs by Ivan McClellan” (Damiani). Follow him on Instagram at @eightsecs for more information.
Moving on to discussing Black cowboy and cowgirl culture, McClellan highlighted Oklahoma as the hub for this community, with Texas also showing a strong presence. He emphasized that Black cowboys and cowgirls can be found in various countries around the world, such as Africa. Reflecting on Beyoncé’s impact with “Cowboy Carter,” McClellan praised the singer for bringing attention to and celebrating Black cowboy culture.
When asked about his travels and favorite cities, McClellan shared his love for Kansas City, New York City, Charleston, Houston, and Portland. He expressed his commitment to enriching Portland’s culture and making it inclusive for all residents. Looking forward, McClellan expressed a desire to visit Hawaii and Alaska for the first time.
McClellan’s approach to travel involves embracing the unknown and experiencing destinations firsthand, rather than relying on extensive research. He emphasized the importance of showing up with positive energy and good intent, which has allowed his experiences to flourish.
For more from Jae-Ha Kim, visit www.jaehakim.com and follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae. You can also read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).
