The Friends of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & State Museumis proud to present a glimpse into the legendary life of Kansas City’s own “Hollywood Cowboy” Rex Purefoy with a new exhibit featuring his extensive collection of western and cowboy memorabilia and photos. Exhibit items include ornate horse saddles, cowboy hats and boots, rhinestone and embroidered western apparel amassed by Purefoy over his 50 plus years of performing before nationwide audiences, both young and old displaying his expert horsemanship skills and roping techniques.
To kick off the exhibit opening, Purefoy and his horse Ringo will be featured at a press conference on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10:30am at the Spirit of Freedom Fountain located at Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd and Cleveland Avenue.
Starting with the exhibit opening on Saturday, June 7 at 1 p.m., through July 31, 2025, special events are planned to highlight the History of Cowboys. All events are free and open to the public.
On June 7th, the Rex Purefoy Show video and panel discussion will be presented in the Center’s Main Auditorium from 1pm to 4pm. The June 21 “Western Family Day” program features the Giddy-Up Riders of Kansas City, with horseback riding for the kids, along with a rope twirling contest from Noon to 4pm.
On June 28th from 1pm to 4pm, the featured program shifts to the cowboys of today, with a Black Saddle Clubs presentation and a viewing of the long-lost Black Rodeo movie starring Rex Purefoy, Muhammad Ali, Archie Wycoff and Clarence Gonzalez. This noted documentary received critical acclaim in 1972 and has not been seen again – until now!
Cowboys in vintage cinema will be in the spotlight for the Saturday, July 12 presentation of Harlem Rides the Range, and The Bronze Buckaroo films, concluding with a best-dressed cowboy and best-dressed cowgirl contest (Noon to 4pm).
Gayle Hill-Suber, President of the Friends of Bruce R. Watkins Board of Directors, said, “We are lucky to have Rex Purefoy in person, along with his amazing historic collection. We look forward to sharing this with adults who might remember his dynamic performances, and children who will be amazed to see his rope tricks. This is a special part of our heritage that we need to showcase and celebrate.
Manette Norris with the Giddy-Up Riders Kansas City has fond memories of Rex Purefoy, stating, “He taught me to ride a horse when I was only seven-years old. His songs and enthusiasm for cowboy life are contagious! I am the proud owner of the Giddy-Up Riders Kansas City and plan to pass on my love of horses to the people of Kansas City for years to come.”
“We are honored that Rex Purefoy would entrust the Center and the Friends of Bruce R. Watkins to exhibit his collection of memorabilia and “up close and personal” photographs spanning the years of his life and career as a celebrity entertainer, horse rider and trainer”, says Emiel Cleaver, Executive Director, “We are pleased to showcase American cowboy history and culture and its deep-rooted connection to the African American community – past, present, and future.”
Nathaniel “Rex” Purefoy was inducted into the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame on August 24, 2007. He has spent over 50 years preserving the legacy of African American cowboys through performances and storytelling.
ABOUT BRW
Since its opening in 1989, The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum is a beacon of African American heritage in Kansas City, dedicated to commemorating and interpreting the rich diaspora through cultural and educational programs. Named after Bruce R. Watkins, a political and social activist, the Center provides visitors with culturally rich entertainment, educational workshops and performances highlighting the past, present and contemporary contributions of African Americans who served to shape the city and state’s history and culture.
