With the return of the Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo this weekend, be on the lookout at the arena for a booth by Edward House, cowboy, rancher and creator of the Black Cowboy Calendar. He will have the photo calendar available that showcases the many men and women around the country involved in rodeo, and the various events highlighting the sport. This year, he will also feature a special booklet, “King of the Black Cowboy Rodeos,” Willie King. King (19041980) was one of the wealthiest young Creek Freedmen in Okmulgee County. The origin of today’s Black Cowboy Rodeo foundation began with King, who sold 40 acres back in 1955 to the Okmulgee County Round Up Club, who made a rodeo arena south of Okmulgee on 36th Street. The Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo was held for many years at the site, until increased crowds and rodeo participants at the event, made it necessary to move to the Bob Arrington arena.