Former World Champion Bull Rider and Rodeo Hall of Fame member Charlie Sampson is spending Thursday and Friday at Chadron State College a part of the school’s celebration of Black History Month.

Visit co-organizer and Mari Sandoz Center director Sarah Polak says Sampson…an inner city Californian who used horses as a way to escape violence…will share his inspirational history tonight at 7:00 with a free presentation in Memorial Hall.

One of just 6 black members when he joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1977, the 5-4 Sampson became the first black cowboy to win a PRCA world title in 1982. He retired in 1994 and was elected to the Hall of Fame 2 years later.

Sampson’s career saw him ride at the Crawford Old West Trails Rodeo, and Polak says he’s bringing some of his memorabilia and cowboy gear with him to Chadron.

While in Chadron, Sampson…who turns 56 this summer…will talk with Chadron State students, address the younger students who will be there Thursday for the Western District History Day Competition, and join the CSC Rodeo Team for its Black Tie Calf Fry Friday night. Polak hopes his presence brings the Calf Fry a bigger crowd.

For tickets to the Calf Fry, contact CSC Rodeo Coach Dustin Luper at (308) 432-6286.