STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Long before Hollywood mythologized the American West, Black cowboys and cowgirls were shaping it\u2014roping, riding and building the frontier with skill, grit and artistry. Their stories, too often overshadowed in popular culture, are riding back into view on Staten Island, where a local dance troupe is transforming this history into living, breathing performances.<\/p>\n
With lively steps, colorful costumes and a rich musical backdrop, the Western Pulse Ensemble is bringing that legacy to life, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the culture of the West.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Western Pulse Ensemble continues to educate the public about African American history in the Old West,\u201d said Dorcas Meyers, creative director of Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc. and a cast member. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are \u2018edu-taining\u2019 the community through dance and fashion, highlighting the history of Black cowboys and cowgirls,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
The performers include Real Deal D (Dorcas Meyers); Dazzling Dixie (Dakota McKoy); Double Barrel D (Dierdra Dilbert); Naadi Love (Naadira Brown); and Manny Two Times (Imanuel Stennett).<\/p>\n
The dance troupe is currently rehearsing for their upcoming performances at the Third Annual Freedom Ball Fundraiser on Feb. 20 at the Staaten in West Brighton.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe Western Pulse Ensemble continues to educate the public about African-American history in the Old West,\u201d said Dorcas Meyers, pictured, creative director of Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc.Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc.<\/p>\n
Another performance is scheduled during the 2026 Juneteenth Freedom Parade and Festival at Tappen Park.<\/p>\n
Both events are presented by Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc.<\/a>, whose mission is to educate, empower and inspire the community in areas of health, arts and culture.<\/p>\n Ayeodele Maakheru and the Another Country Band are scheduled to welcome arriving guests with the lively sounds of banjo, fiddle and bass.<\/p>\n The group\u2019s performances, which debuted in 2025 at the Freedom Ball Fundraiser and the Juneteenth Freedom Parade and Festival at Tappen Park, celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls.<\/p>\n \u201cThe group is widely known for blending education with entertainment in a way that leaves audiences inspired and engaged,\u201d Meyers added.<\/p>\n Through dance and fashion, the group shares stories of Black laborers and vaqueros who helped shape the American West after slavery was abolished in 1865, creating a vibrant, educational and celebratory experience for the Staten Island community.<\/p>\n Under the early direction of Staten Island\u2019s Yvonne \u201cPatricia Parker\u201d Curry of YDanceC, the group \u2014 which also includes Dierdra Dilbert, Dakota McKoy and musician Imanuel Stennett \u2014 is made up entirely of Staten Island volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to making the performances possible.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s choreography, crafted by Naadira Brown, a wellness and kindness coach at the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, blends European folk dances, such as polka, waltz, jigs and reels with African American rhythms and frontier culture.<\/p>\n The result is a country-western style that spans partner dances, like the two-step group dances, and square and line dancing. There are also elements of hip-hop and Latin dance, popular with audiences of all ages.<\/p>\n Jerraine Williams, also known as Agent Blurr of Blurred Noize Studio, created the original musical backdrop for the ensemble, blending country, bluegrass, house, disco and hip-hop.<\/p>\n \u201cA special thank you to Jaimita Troia, director of UAU P.S. 18, for their support and for providing rehearsal space,\u201d Meyers said.<\/p>\n The history of Black cowboys and cowgirls<\/p>\n For those unfamiliar, Black cowboys and cowgirls were a vital yet often overlooked part of the American West. During the 19th century,<\/a> many white ranchers hired Black laborers alongside Mexican and Indigenous vaqueros, who were skilled in cattle herding, roping and breaking wild horses.<\/p>\n These workers introduced essential Western techniques, including the lasso and specialized gear, laying the groundwork for modern rodeo and ranching.<\/p>\n Estimates suggest that one in four cowboys were Black, many of whom were formerly enslaved. After gaining their freedom, they found opportunity and skilled work in the cattle industry, driving herds, establishing ranches and mastering the rugged demands of Western life.<\/p>\n Despite facing racism, they built strong communities and lasting legacies through resilience and expertise. <\/p>\n Figures such as Nat Love and Bill Pickett, along with pioneering cowgirls, highlight their significant contributions to cattle drives, rodeo and Western culture, challenging the predominantly white image of the cowboy.<\/p>\n![\"(Courtesy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/7O52ZRSM6BDQLCXWGS5DB4C7U4.jpg\")
Naadira Brown, choreographer (yellow hat), is pictured with Dakota Mckoy, left, Dorcas Meyers, and Dierdra Dilbert. (Courtesy Dorcas Meyers)(Courtesy Dorcas Meyers)<\/p>\n
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Pictured are community members gathered at the Central Family Life Center to celebrate Kwanzaa. Hosted by Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc., the event welcomed families to honor the culture, history, and traditions of the holiday. (Courtesy Dorcas Meyers)(Courtesy Dorcas Meyers)About Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc.<\/p>\n![\"(Steve](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/XUNISID3FZGHRDJPFFKKBFHV2U.jpg\")
in 2023, Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc. hosted a performance on the first night of Kwanzaa \u2014 focused on umoji or unity \u2014 at the Central Familiy Life Center in Stapleton. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)<\/p>\n