CASE STUDY
the forgotten cowboys
SOMETIMES CULTURAL RELEVANCE WEIGHS MORE THAN DATA.
PRESERVING THE LEGACY
OF BLACK COWBOYS
Larry Callies, a former rodeo rider and country singer, founded the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg, Texas, to preserve and share the history of African American cowboys — a history largely omitted from mainstream narratives.
THERE IS AN UNTOLD HISTORY
OF BLACK COWBOYS IN THE UNITED STATES.
THE
challenge
Sometimes success can’t be measured with data. It’s measured by the cultural weight that’s given to a story. Modern Huntsman is a biannual publication and creative platform that bridges the gap between storytelling, conservation, and culture. They commission work that challenges stereotypes, highlights overlooked communities, and inspires deeper understanding of the human experience in the outdoors.
TEXAS IS THE SEAT OF
THE AMERICAN CONCEPT OF “THE COWBOY.”
APPROACH and
OUTCOME
In a small, crowded museum, we found a treasure trove of history. Every artifact became part of the story. Utilizing natural light allowed us to blend into the background and helped us build trust with Mr. Callies. We made portraits that felt unguarded and honest. Paired with the writer’s words, the work became a layered story of resilience and memory.
Published in Modern Huntsman, the spread brought national attention to the Black Cowboy Museum and now stands as a permanent visual record of its early years.
BLACK COWBOYS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED.
But it’s a compelling view into America’s untold history seen through the eyes
of living legend Larry Callies.
