Celebrating Diversity: The Inspiring Story of Ivan McClellan and Black Cowboy Culture

Step into a world where cowboy culture meets an unseen community, a world that will leave you captivated and yearning for more. Ivan McClellan, a self-taught photographer, learned about the existence of black cowboys and black cowboy rodeos and embarked on a journey that defied his expectations. From the dusty rodeos of Oklahoma to the heart and soul of a culture unknown to many, Ivan's immersion into this world will leave you wanting to learn more. But little did he know, this was just the beginning of a chapter filled with untold stories and new life experiences.

Cowboy culture and black cowboys

The cowboy culture and black cowboys play a significant role in American history. Often overlooked, black cowboys, just like their white counterparts, contributed greatly to the formation and expansion of the American West. As Ivan McClellan's photography project, Project 8 Seconds, visually showcases, their stories deserve to be told and celebrated, and their influence on the unique blend of cultures in America needs to be acknowledged.

My special guest is Ivan McClellan

Meet Ivan McClellan, a street photographer turned cultural chronicler. Growing up in Kansas, Ivan's connection to cowboy culture was not intuitive, his deep dive into the world of black cowboys opened his eyes to a new reality. His Project Eight Seconds brilliantly combines narratives of black culture with cowboy ethos, presenting a revolutionary blend that captures the eye and engages the mind. Not just content with portraying real black cowboys, Ivan strives to help create more equitable opportunities for these dedicated athletes. 

I was moved by the fusion of black culture and cowboy culture in a way I never thought possible. - Ivan McClellan 

In this episode, you will be able to:

•  Dive into cowboy culture and uncover the often-overlooked significance of black cowboys in America's history. 

•  Track the shifting perceptions towards black cowboys. 

•  Experience the power and impact of Ivan McClellan's Project eightsecs.com, providing a new lens to western culture. 

•  Explore Ivan McClellan's personal journey, his transformation, and passion ignited by cowboy culture and expressed through his unique photography. 

Additional resources mentioned in this episode are:

• https://eightsecs.com/about-us/

Links to Social Media:

• https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhy  

•  https://www.twitter.com/emydigrappa  

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

•  https://www.thinkwy.org/podcasts

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