Oklahoma Photographer Unveils ‘The Black Land’ Exhibit NOW

UPDATE: Oklahoma photographer Jakian Parks has just unveiled his latest exhibit, ‘The Black Land: Rituals and Rejoicing’, showcasing the rich heritage of Black rodeos and community pride in Oklahoma. This powerful exhibit, which opens today, reflects both a personal journey and a broader narrative of Black history in the state.

Parks, donning his signature black Stetson and roper heels, reminisces about his childhood, where his passion for rodeos ignited. “I just wanted to ride,” he recalls, and now, years later, he is back in the spotlight, surrounded by evocative photographs capturing the essence of Black cowboy culture in Oklahoma.

In collaboration with creative partner Chloe Flowers, Parks meticulously selected images from years of documenting Black rodeos and the pride of land ownership. “This is like a homecoming for me,” he states, emphasizing the emotional depth of the exhibition. The exhibit highlights significant locations, including a ranch in Jones, OK, a church in Arcadia, OK, and the annual rodeo in Boley, OK.

Curators at Oklahoma Contemporary recognize the exhibit’s cultural significance. Executive Director Trent Riley asserts, “These images interconnect a historic part of our state’s long, Black history with the modern Oklahoma Black cowboy.” The exhibit serves as a vital platform for storytelling, showcasing the determination and resilience of the community.

As the exhibit opens today, visitors are invited to explore the narratives behind each photograph. Flowers explains, “I think about what he first told me about the project, and what he wanted it to mean.” The images encapsulate the spirit of Oklahoma’s Black cowboys, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of Western heritage.

This exhibit not only celebrates the artistry of Parks but also invites viewers to ponder the deeper connections within the Black community in Oklahoma. The emotional resonance of the photographs opens windows to a unique cultural landscape, where history and modernity intertwine.

For those interested in experiencing this powerful narrative, the exhibit is now open at Oklahoma Contemporary. Don’t miss your chance to witness ‘The Black Land’ and the stories it tells! For more information on the exhibit and Jakian Parks’ work, click here.

This is a moment of recognition for a community that has long been a vital part of Oklahoma’s identity, and the time to engage with this rich cultural history is NOW.