Community Highlight - Fighting Through Fire
On March 22, 2025, I had the pleasure of attending a screening of the documentary Fire on the Hill: The Cowboys of South Central LA, directed by Brett Fallentine, held at our local historic landmark, Rancho Los Cerritos. This film, released on May 8, 2020, observes the lives of three Black men who are cowboys from South Central Los Angeles. It tells a powerful story of adversity, resilience, and a profound love for cowboy culture, capturing each man’s journey in a distinct way. As a result of the powerful and captivating stories shared by the men featured, the documentary has earned several awards, including the LA Muse Award and the Artistic Vision Award from the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.
Ghuan Featherstone, one of the men featured in the film, reflects on life after the devastating fire that destroyed “The Hill” –a public stable that once served the local community. The Hill burned down in 2012, with speculation that the fire was the result of an arson attack targeting the beloved stable. Despite this occurring, Ghuan is hopeful for its return and focuses on gathering support from community members, receiving donations, and using proceeds from the documentary to purchase the land from its current owner and restore The Hill. Acknowledging the importance of cowboy culture and its impact on the community, especially the youth, he and others founded Urban Saddles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and supporting inner-city youth through equine experiences and what they call “the cowboy code of the West.”
Did You Know?
Black men are identified as being one of the earliest groups of cowboys in America. Many of these men were highly skilled laborers who were experienced in herding livestock and handling horses. An article published by Encyclopedia Britannica titled "Black Cowboys" affirms that, “Though they were almost entirely excluded from the mythology of the American cowboy, it is estimated that Black men accounted for nearly a quarter of all cattle workers in the nascent American West during the latter half of the nineteenth century” (Martin). For Black men, embracing the cowboy lifestyle offered a path to self-determination and land ownership in the wake of Reconstruction’s failure following emancipation. As the market for cattle steadily increased at this time, it became difficult for White men to manage their livestock. Despite racial tension and segregation laws, they needed additional support and were encouraged to hire Black men to assist with ranching. These men, often referred to as “ranch hands” or “drovers,” played a significant role in shaping the cowboy culture we read about and see in the media (by the way, the term “cowboy” was originally a derogatory term). Their exceptional skill in managing herds and driving cattle on horseback ensured livestock could be sold, though their contributions often went unrecognized.
History of Cowboys in LA and The Compton Cowboys
One of the earliest recollections of cowboy culture in the west begins with the story of Nat “Deadwood Dick” Love. Nat Love was a legendary figure in the west, and is notable for being one of the original Black cowboys. He was born in Davidson County, Tennessee, on a plantation. In 1869, he left the south and migrated west to begin ranching. He lived in both Arizona and Colorado, working to solidify his name as a prominent figure in cowboy culture. Love spent his later years in California where he was able to share his autobiography and skills with other Black people, inspiring and creating a new generation of cowboys.
Additionally, it is noted that in the mid-20th century an organization named “Archival Trail Riders of L.A.” was created and drastically transformed Black cowboy culture. One of the most modern cowboy/girl serving organizations is The Compton Cowboys, founded by LA native Mayisha Akbar (a whole cowgirl out here, period!). The Compton Cowboys is a collective of individual equestrians in LA who offer the use of horse riding to empower their community and challenge stereotypes made about Black people. This organization follows the motto of, “Streets raised us. Horses saved us.” and the mission to elevate inner city youth in Los Angeles with mentorship and equine therapy. Not one individual can be credited for the cowboy culture in Los Angeles, as it is and has always been a collective effort to advance the Black community.
Lakewood Equestrian
Well, after all of that horse talk, I can imagine that you are now a bit more intrigued by cowboys, stables, and horses! Compton is not too far, but if you cannot make it there to alleviate your desire to engage with horses you can visit the Lakewood Equestrian Center located in Lakewood, California next to the Long Beach Towne Center. A resilient spot, the Lakewood Equestrian Center was developed in 1946, and is a community staple that offers horseback riding lessons, a petting zoo, horse boarding, and community events. Concerns about its potential closure arose years ago, but thanks to a dedicated community and new ownership, the stable is now recognized by the City of Lakewood as a valued asset not only to Lakewood but also to neighboring cities like our very own Long Beach.
Now that you’ve read all of this, go listen to some Cowboy Carter!
Support Ghuan and Urban Saddles here:
Support Compton Cowboys here:
Fire on The Hill:
