🐂 A&E | Charlie Sampson: The Watts Cowboy Who Made Rodeo History

By LadyFlava of LadyFlavaNews

Rodeo isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Watts, California. But for Charlie Sampson, the city he called home shaped his resilience, determination, and fighting spirit—qualities that would lead him to make history as the first African American to win a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Championship in bull riding.

🐎 A Humble Beginning

Charlie’s first experience with bull riding wasn’t exactly planned. At just 14 years old, he found himself entered into an amateur rodeo event in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, thanks to some well-meaning friends.

At barely over five feet tall and weighing just 110 pounds, he didn’t exactly fit the mold of a traditional bull rider. When he attempted to mount the bull, a stock contractor tried to stop him, insisting children weren’t allowed in that area. But Charlie stood his ground—this was his ride, and he wasn’t backing down. The contractor gave him a closer look, then reluctantly gave him the green light.

The ride was brief—he remembers holding on for about two jumps before jumping off and running back to the chute. Strangely, he doesn’t even remember nodding to start the ride. When his friends asked why he didn’t ride longer, he simply shrugged and said, “Shucks,” brushing it off with that humble ease that would come to define him.

That ride may have been short, but it sparked something powerful inside him.

🏆 Breaking Barriers in Rodeo

Nicknamed “The Watts Cowboy,” Charlie’s path wasn’t like most. Unlike many who grew up on ranches or within rodeo families, Charlie honed his craft in an urban setting. He proved that talent and drive were what truly mattered—not geography, not background.

In 1982, he made history, becoming the first Black bull rider to win the PRCA World Bull Riding Championship.

It was a groundbreaking moment—not just for Charlie, but for the entire sport. His victory shattered racial barriers and opened the gate for future generations of Black cowboys and cowgirls.

His success sent a powerful message:

“It doesn’t matter where you come from. It matters how hard you’re willing to ride.”

💪 Courage. Grit. Legacy.

Bull riding is often called the most dangerous eight seconds in sports, and Charlie faced those eight seconds again and again with fierce determination.

He’s suffered countless injuries—broken bones, falls, and near-death moments—and each time, he came back stronger. His toughness was legendary, but even more impressive was his humility. Despite his accomplishments, he always gave credit to the hard work, to the team, and to the opportunity.

💛 We Are Family: My Life with Chuckie

To the world, he’s a world champion.

To me, he’s Chuckie—my brother-in-law, my family, my inspiration.

I’ve watched him prepare for rides—saddle piece in front of him, glove wrapped around his hand, chewing tobacco and spitting into one of my houseplants, reviewing his notes with deep focus.

Watching him ride was always intense—equal parts excitement and prayer.

And I’ve been on the other end of the line when things didn’t go well.

In 1983, he was injured in Maryland while riding for President Reagan. Later, in Canada, I stood with his wife and sons, waiting for news.

Those were soul-tearing moments—when all you can do is cry, hope, and pray.

Chuckie and I are about the same height, but his resilience is on another level. No matter how many times he fell, he always got back up.

He’s a cowboy, through and through.

I’ve always followed his journey with pride—resharing his wins, lifting his legacy, and smiling when people realize the man they’re reading about is my family.

Beyond the bull riding, he’s just a good man—a father, grandfather, and joyful soul who always greets you with love.

He still tells the story of when I was pregnant with Mariko and traveled with him to a rodeo in Spokane, WA—a memory that always makes us both smile.

And just this past September, Chuckie came to Seattle with his sons to celebrate LC’s birthday, just days before Mariko’s and his sister Delores’. We had a big family gathering—a moment I’ll always cherish.

🎉 Still Riding Strong at 68

On July 2nd, 2025, Charlie turned 68 years young—and instead of slowing down, he made history again. This year, he hosted his first rodeo under his own name:

The Charlie Sampson Rodeo, presented by American Western Heritage LLC.

With categories from team roping and junior barrels to bull riding and mutton bustin’, the event brought in a new generation of riders—and the legacy continues.

He even hit the airwaves to talk about it, still glowing, still giving, still wearing that signature cowboy hat with pride.

🌟 Final Words

“When I think about Charlie Sampson, I’m inspired. He’s broken nearly every bone in his body — and he’s still going. Still smiling. Still showing up for others. That’s not just strength. That’s soul.”

— LadyFlava

“👋 That Cowboy look some what like Me, 😅😆 Thanks sister in Law..”

He didn’t just win a title — he changed the sport. He didn’t just survive — he keeps giving. And while the rodeo world knows him as a legend, I know him as Chuckie. A man I admire deeply. A cowboy who walks with courage, purpose, and heart.

A Note from the Cowboy Himself 🤠

The Compton Cowboy will forever ride on — and I’m proud to be part of his story.

– LadyFlava of LadyFlavaNews

Susan aka Keyona ❣️

Sharing Family. Sharing Legacy.

A Note from the Cowboy Himself 🤠

“👋 That Cowboy look some what like Me, 😅😆 Thanks Sister in Law..”

— Charlie Sampson