The Compton Cowboys

The Compton Cowboys, a group of Black men and women in Compton, California, challenge stereotypes and celebrate a proud tradition of Black cowboys amidst the city’s complex history of violence and resilience. Founded in 1988 by Mayisha Akbar as a youth initiative, their story highlights how horses and ranch life provide community, healing, and transformation for individuals overcoming trauma and adversity. Photographer and narrator Walter Thompson-Hernández offers an insightful portrait of this urban community, emphasizing themes of race, identity, and belonging.