Black cowboy culture is gaining momentum in popular culture, with Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, Shaboozey’s hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” films like “The Harder They Fall,” and Black riders during the George Floyd protests bringing attention to the community. The new series “Beyond Black Beauty” on Prime Video is adding to this spotlight by presenting an 11-episode series centered around Black people, particularly Black girls and women.
The show follows Jolie Dumont, a teen equestrian with aspirations of competing in the Olympics. After her parents separate, she moves from Belgium to Baltimore, where her mother’s family owns a century-old ranch. There, Jolie discovers her family’s long horse lineage and forges a bond with her cousin Ronnie. Creator and showrunner Pilar Golden wanted to adapt the classic story of “Black Beauty” for the 21st century, showcasing Black women in prominent roles.
By highlighting a Black family with a longstanding legacy in cowboy culture, the show aims to provide representation and shine a light on a community often overlooked in mainstream media. To ensure authenticity, Golden consulted with Erin Brown, a respected figure in the Black cowboy culture, who praised the series for portraying the culture accurately.
Lead actress Kaya Coleman, who plays Jolie, was not familiar with Black cowboy culture prior to the show but found a connection to it once she learned about it. The series not only explores themes of family, legacy, and love but also sheds light on the rich history and contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls in American culture.
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