The record-high temperature was no match for people who wanted to see association members and their horses in action
By ONME News - Amaya Edwards
Despite Oakland’s record-high temperature of 100 degrees, hundreds flocked to West Oakland to celebrate the Oakland Black Cowboy Association’s (OBCA) 50th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 5. The parade started at 10 a.m. It was followed by a festival at DeFremery Park with food and family activities. OBCA was founded by Lonnie Scoggins, a cowboy who formerly rode the Southwest range before settling in Oakland. The nonprofit promotes the legacy of the Black Cowboys in the Wild West, a tradition that the organization has been trying to safeguard and gather interest from younger generations.
The historical organization has been led by Wilbert “Cowboy” Freeman McAlister has served as president for over two decades. In 2021, McAllister was the subject of a documentary titled Cowboy.
McAlister, wearing his unmistakable mustard yellow long-sleeved shirt, extravagant belt buckle, and crisp leather cowboy hat, members of OBCA, riders from other cities like Manteca (where McAlister is originally from), and Mayor Sheng Thao were among those who participated.
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