Fort Worth, TX - February 13, 2024 - Visit Fort Worth, in collaboration with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) proudly announces the debut of a new promo featuring esteemed actress Pam Grier. Titled "Be the Unexpected," the promo celebrates the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls, through the lens of Pam Grier's iconic presence.  

The captivating video spotlights the historic significance of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which is commemorating its 40th anniversary this year. “Be the Unexpected” was produced and directed by Fort Worth-based Adam & Elliott Moving Pictures and will premiere at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, February 17, 2024.  

 Nominated for an Emmy, a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards, Pam Grier is a celebrated actress and singer whose career spans over 50 years. Renowned for her legendary roles in films such as Coffy, Foxy Brown, and Jackie Brown, she brings her unparalleled talent and passion to this project. As a rancher in New Mexico and a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, Grier's portrayal as a Black cowgirl resonates deeply with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.  

 "We are thrilled to feature this incredible woman in this commercial. Pam Grier embodies the spirit of resilience and authenticity that defines the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and knows what it’s like to go against the grain and challenge how people think about the status quo," said Valeria Howard Cunningham, President, and CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. "Grier and the Bill Pickett Rodeo go hand-in-hand when it comes to promoting Black cowboys and cowgirls and making sure their stories are told.” “We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Visit Fort Worth for graciously welcoming BPIR to your exceptional city and affording us the opportunity to participate in this remarkable promotion."   

Also featured in the promo is 14-year-old BPIR Champion Barrel Racer Kourtney Solomon and her champion barrel racing horse named Player. Soloman who has grown up with BPIR, is a 3rd generation cowgirl.   

“We are so excited to debut this promo as the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo continues to celebrate Black History and its 40th anniversary,” said Jessica Christopherson, vice president of marketing and film commissioner for Visit Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Film Commission. “Fort Worth filmmakers Adam Dietrich and Elliott Gilbert did a beautiful job of capturing Pam Grier’s narrative of the Western spirit.”    

The promo will premiere at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on February 17, 2024, and will subsequently be released online via @VisitFortWorth, DiscoverDiverseFortWorth.com, and across BPIR social media channels.  

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Margo Wade-Ladrew, Partner and National Development/Sponsorship Director at mladrew@billpickettrodeo.com. Or KimiRhochelle, Director of Public Relations at info@krprmedia.com.  

 

# # #

About Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo 

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is the longest-running Black rodeo in the United States. This year marks 40 years of showcasing the talent and athleticism of its cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo stars. Founded in 1984 by Lu Vason, it was born out of a need to give Black cowboys a platform to keep their traditions alive and acknowledge their contribution to the history of the American West. BPIR continues to develop the next generation of rodeo stars and bring the sport of rodeo to a new generation of fans. The BPIR Texas Connection Series is now a residency rodeo series in Fort Worth at Cowtown Coliseum, with rodeos on February 17, May 18, June 15 and August 17, 2024. For more information and for tickets, visit BillPicketRodeo.com.   

About Visit Fort Worth 

Visit Fort Worth is the official destination marketing organization of the 13th-largest city in the United States, dedicated to promoting Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure destination with thriving centers of creativity, culture and commerce. Visit Fort Worth is the parent organization of The Fort Worth Herd, the Fort Worth Film Commission, Visita Fort Worth, Fort Worth Sports Commission and music initiative Hear Fort Worth.  

About the Fort Worth Film Commission 

The Fort Worth Film Commission, an office of Visit Fort Worth, was established in 2015 with the goal of promoting Fort Worth and Tarrant County as an ideal place to produce film and television. Through location services and assistance pre- and post-production, the Film Commission has worked with hundreds of projects and driven $555 million in economic impact and over 19,000 jobs, raising awareness of Fort Worth as a city for creative industries and as a tourist destination. For more information visit FilmFortWorth.com

About Adam and Elliott Moving Pictures 

Created by Adam Dietrich and Elliott Gilbert, Adam and Elliott Moving Pictures provides turnkey video and film production services. As Texas based filmmakers, Adam and Elliott create genre bending narratives and documentaries that showcase authentic characters and social impact content. Two lifelong best friends, Adam and Elliott produce the Emmy Award winning ‘Opals Walk for Freedom LIVE,’ presenting Dr. Opal Lee’s vision of America on Juneteenth, the holiday she helped to create. In their own words: “We’re two dads and our stories are deeply impacted by our desire to present a world dynamic enough to pass on to our own kids.”