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Project 2020 Foundation

@project2020foundation

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Project 2020 Foundation is dedicated to revitalizing and preserving the cultural heritage of Boley, Oklahoma, and other historic Black towns.

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We Made It to Good Morning America! 🎉

We’re proud to share that Boley, Oklahoma and our Historic Boley Rodeo were featured on Good Morning America! This incredible opportunity is thanks to the collective efforts of the Boley Legacy Consortium and the Boley Chamber of Commerce, working tirelessly to bring this historic event “Back to Life.”

Together, we honor Boley’s rich legacy and look forward to an even brighter future! 🖤

Thank you @kandismascall @ikeejiochi @goodmorningamerica , we are so grateful. See you at the RODEO!

Thank you @kiancreativestudios @videoherotv for the video footage.

Thank you @nicol_ragland @augustus.exposures for the photos.

Thank you @thedanelltipton and Henrietta Hicks for your contribution to this story on such a short notice.

Shout out to @filmmakersranch for accommodating @thedanelltipton

Visit www.thetownofboley.org if you would like to be a sponsor, purchase a brick, or purchase tickets!

#GoodMorningAmerica #BoleyOklahoma #BoleyLegacy #BoleyChamberOfCommerce #HistoricPreservation #Project2020Foundation #BlackTownHistory #CommunityUnity #CollectivePower #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #americanhistory taken in BOLEY RODEO & BBQ FESTIVAL by @project2020foundation

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2 years ago

Happy Founders Day, Boley!

On September 26, 1903, Boley opened for settlement. On September 22, 1904, the townsite formally opened and lot sales began. These dates mark different steps in the making of a town whose people were determined to own land, govern themselves, and build a future.

The rodeo became part of how Boley sustained that future. It drew visitors, supported local businesses, and brought income into town. What happened in the arena mattered well beyond its gates.

Today, we honor the founders, the cowboys and families who carried this tradition forward, and all who continue to invest in Boley’s future.

123 years of Boley. Happy Founders Day! 🤎

#BoleyFoundersDay #BoleyOklahoma #BoleyRodeo #HistoricBlackTowns by @project2020foundation

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2 days ago

Boley, 2026

Portraits from the moments leading up to the rodeo. taken in Boley, Oklahoma by @project2020foundation

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8 days ago

Black rodeo culture is alive and well in Boley, Oklahoma! 🤠🐎

Boley celebrated its 123rd Founders Day with a trail ride through the backwoods, food, art, dancing and a night at the rodeo.

But this is bigger than boots and buckles. It’s Black history, family and a legacy the next generation deserves to experience.

Send this to somebody who needs to attend a Black rodeo!

#BlackRodeo #BoleyOklahoma #BlackCowboys #OklahomaEvents taken in Boley, Oklahoma by @project2020foundation

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8 days ago

Have you ever seen someone painting at a rodeo?!

This past Saturday, I got to be a part of the @boleyoklahoma Founders Day celebration and Rodeo! This was the first time I’ve used oil for live painting but I wanted to do this beautiful portrait justice. I approached the painting like an alla prima from life, and finished in about 5 hours. It was so fun to see everyone out to celebrate Founders Day and to be a part of this amazing rodeo!

Special thanks to @nicol_ragland for the beautiful reference image of real life cowgirl Vicki Smith, and @jcole1912 @karenlynnekuban for having me! taken in Boley, Oklahoma by @project2020foundation

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12 days ago

Boley, 2026

Most people envision a rodeo as just those eight seconds. Some of my favorite moments in Boley happened well before attendees showed up. A father teaching his daughter how to ride. Kids carrying buckets half their size to horses three times their size. Little cowboys adjusting hats they haven’t quite grown into yet. Aspiring riders pressed against the fence, watching and learning. Quiet lessons between generations. The preparation, repetition, responsibility and care that make those eight seconds possible. As I share this work, I want to show the rides, but I also want to highlight everything that makes the ride possible.

Before The Gates Open🐎

📸: Digital || Film taken in Boley, Oklahoma by @project2020foundation

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12 days ago

🎶 Do you remember… Founders Day in September? 🎶

Come home to Boley as we celebrate 123 years of history, heritage, family, and Black cowboy culture. From the trail ride and family fun to the excitement of the Founders Day Rodeo, this is a weekend you don’t want to miss!

RESERVE YOUR SEAT @ WWW.THETOWNOFBOLEY.ORG

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
🐎 Founders Day Trail Ride — 10:00 AM
🚘 “Pull Up” Vintage Car Showcase
🎡 Kids Zone, vendors, food and family activities
🤠 Mutton Bustin’ Pre-Show — 5:30 PM
🏆 Founders Day Rodeo — 6:00 PM
🎶 Music by DJ Music Man

📍 Historic Boley, Oklahoma
🤠 Celebrating 123 years of sovereignty
❤️ Come for the rodeo. Stay for the legacy.

#BoleyFoundersDay #BoleyRodeo #HistoricBoley #BlackCowboys #September BoleyOklahoma by @project2020foundation

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a month ago

Founded with Purpose. Built on Vision. Sustained by Legacy.

In 1903, Boley was founded with a bold vision, to create opportunity, ownership, and prosperity. People traveled from across the region to build businesses, purchase land, raise families, and become part of something extraordinary.

More than 123 years later, that same spirit still rides through these streets.

Join us for the Founder’s Day Rodeo on September 12, 2026, as we celebrate the pioneers who built Boley and the generations who continue to preserve its legacy. Experience rodeo, history, community, and the enduring story of one of America’s most significant Black towns.

Come see why people were drawn to Boley then and why they’re still coming today.

📍 Historic Boley, Oklahoma
🤠 Founder’s Day Rodeo • September 12, 2026 Tickets on sale now. Link in bio!

🎥 @kianthecreative for @project2020foundation for Boley Rodeo Day @nationalcowboymuseum
#history taken in Boley Historic District by @project2020foundation

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4 months ago

The 2026 Historic Boley Rodeo made HISTORY!

With the largest attendance in the history of the Boley Rodeo and the largest event in Okfuskee County, thousands traveled to Historic Boley to celebrate 123 years of Black cowboy heritage, community, and tradition.

Thank you to the Town of Boley, the Boley Chamber of Commerce, our sponsors, volunteers, cowboys and cowgirls, vendors, security personnel, first responders, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible. Most importantly, thank you to our visitors. Whether you traveled from across Oklahoma or across the country, your presence helps keep this legacy alive.

The rodeo was never just about what happened in the arena. Since 1903, it has been a way to bring people to Boley, create opportunity, and showcase the strength and spirit of this historic community.

That same purpose guides us today.

As we continue the work of revitalizing Historic Boley, these events help drive tourism, support local businesses, and inspire new investment in our future.

Boley may never be what it once was, but who says it can’t be better?

Join us September 12, 2026, for the Founder’s Day Rodeo. Last year’s event sold out, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you back for another celebration of history, heritage, and community.

Thank you for helping us make history. The next chapter begins September 12.

📸 @augustus.exposures for @project2020foundation
#oklahoma #rodeo #blackcowboys #western #history by @project2020foundation

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4 months ago

SAVE THE DATE!

The Historic Boley Founder’s Day Rodeo returns Saturday, September 12, 2026!

After a sold-out crowd in 2025, we’re bringing the excitement back to Historic Boley for another unforgettable celebration of rodeo, culture, history, and community.

Join us as we celebrate 123 years of Boley’s legacy in one of America’s most historic Black towns and experience the spirit of the Black West firsthand.

Open Rodeo Competition
Ranch Bronc Riding
Bull Riding & Junior Bull
Open Barrels & Junior Barrels
Calf Roping & Steer Wrestling
Mutton Bustin’
Pony Express
Live Entertainment
Food Vendors & Shopping
Black Cowboy & Historic Boley Experiences

Last year was a sellout. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Oklahoma’s most unique cultural and rodeo events.

📅 September 12, 2026
📍 Historic Boley Rodeo Arena | Boley, Oklahoma
#rodeo #oklahoma #history #freedom taken in Boley, Oklahoma by @project2020foundation

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4 months ago

Unsung Heroes of the Rodeo: The Announcer

There is power in the tongue. The rodeo announcer cleverly wields this power to tie the entire event together-- introducing athletes, explaining the action, and weaving in the history that gives a rodeo its soul. They are the crowd's guide and the event's keeper, holding the rhythm of the arena on their voice.

At the Boley Rodeo, that voice carries 123 years of legacy behind it. The Boley Rodeo is the longest standing Black rodeo in our nation's history. To announce at Boley is to speak on behalf of something far larger than any single event: a living tradition, a community's pride, and a chapter of American history that deserves to be told.
Davion D. Hemphill // @dhemp34

Image created in partnership with nonprofit @project2020foundation in @boleyoklahoma at the 123rd Boley Rodeo. taken in Boley, Oklahoma by @project2020foundation

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4 months ago

Unsung Heroes of the Rodeo: The Bull Fighter

There is in fact no greater love than to lay one’s life down for their neighbor. And thus the bull fighter embodies this truth. When a rider hits the dirt, the bull fighter steps in — planting themselves between fallen cowboy and charging bull without hesitation. No hesistation. Just action. They are protectors by trade and by nature, drawn to a role most would run from. Every rodeo they work, they make the same quiet promise: that no rider will face that bull alone.

Bull fighter Travis “Duckman” Beasley is now five years deep at the historic Boley Rodeo — the longest standing Black rodeo in American history. Every year he steps into that arena, he carries forward not only the enduring tradition of Black rodeo, but his grandfather’s legacy. His grandfather, Walker W.C. Watts, served as Chief of Police of Boley, Oklahoma and competed as a steer wrestler in this very rodeo. Travis is protecting more than riders in the arena; he is protecting the legacy of Boley, Oklahoma.

@tbbullfighter40

Images created in partnership with nonprofit @project2020foundation in @boleyoklahoma of the 123rd Boley Rodeo. taken in Boley, Oklahoma by @project2020foundation

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4 months ago