UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Morissa Hall is a 16-year-old Black cowgirl. She is breaking barriers and inspiring kids.
She's been named the Maryland State Rodeo Queen not just once, but twice, she is the first African American to win consecutive titles.
“I compete in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying and breakaway roping,” Hall said.
She convinced her dad to buy her a horse in middle school by getting straight A’s 16 times in a row.
But the competition didn’t start well. She came in last place in every event. Her dad told her to cowgirl up, and within a year, she and her horse took off.
“Then we just clicked, and we won all-around champion, pole barrel reserve champion,” Hall said.
Her dad was inspired by Bill Pickett, a legendary Black cowboy often barred from competing in white rodeos.
“It’s nice to show that we are here and we’re killing it. I just want to be an inspiration to other young people and other minorities,” Hall said.
