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Crawford currently serves as the president and CEO of Marwil Stables, Inc. Just over a year ago, she was also appointed as the Spokesperson for the State of Texas by the International Professional Rodeo Association. The declaration made her the first and only woman of color spokesperson of any professional rodeo association in the country. Not bad for a person whose early introduction to horses came while either watching them at racetracks or following parades for crowd control in the Big Apple. "My brother and mother were living in Texas and I was just going to see them for a visit," said Crawford. "They begged me to stay here for 6 months and see how I'd like it." "That was almost 14 years ago and I haven't left since." BUMPS IN THE ROAD After losing her husband in 1995, Crawford began working as a counselor for survivors of suicide. At this point, she reached a crossroad in her life and began seeking a new challenge. A friend of Crawford's named "Canoe" would introduce her to horses. After a few rough edges, she slowly began to groom her friends' horses. "He was so pleased with the job I did, he said 'It's time for you get your own horse," Crawford said. Crawford would acquire her own horse which she still owns today even despite several offers to buy it from her. Unfortunately, she would have to deal with more tragedy. In a 10-month span, Crawford would lose her father, a close friend, and her grandmother. A situation like that would almost make one weak, but Crawford would again prove to be a person with a strong will. "I was in Houston at the time and I knew that I had to leave there to start anew," said Crawford. "I decided to go to Dale with a fresh new start. This has always been a fruitful place for blacks and it really has turned out to be fine for me." DEEP IN THE HEART OF..... Marwil Stables now serves as the Bull Riding Event sponsor for all the major Black Rodeos in the states of Texas and Oklahoma. Earlier this year, Marwil Stables teamed with Cleo Hearn’s Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour. These are professional cowboys and cowgirls of African American, Hispanic, Native American and European descent. Crawford is also the contact for the Texas Pony Express Relay Race teams and the host of the Pro Open Timed Event Jackpots held before each Cowboys of Color Rodeo in Austin and Houston for the 2004 Rodeo Tour. "I'm in the best place in my life that I've ever been in," Crawford added. "Most of my friends back East come down here and ask me if I'm in the Witness Protection Program." Earlier this year, Crawford started her own rodeo production company. "U Go Girl Rodeo Productions" is a full service company specializing in the production and promotion of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) All Women's Rodeo. With approval from the WPRA, she became the first Black woman Pro Rodeo Producer. Her dream is to develop other black women in the sport (producing as well as competition) to continue what she has pioneered. In addition to her rodeo activities, Crawford also hosts the St. John’s Colony Annual Juneteenth Trailride that is part of the Juneteenth picnic. 2004 marked the 133rd year of the picnic and 18th year of the trailride. She’s also hosted the ride the last 5 years. In 2002, the picnic and trailride were designated by the State of Texas Historical Commission as an Official Texas Juneteenth Celebration One special dream Crawford has is to host an all women's rodeo show at the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. "With success we've had in this part of the country and with the growing popularity of the sport, it's not impossible," Crawford added. "I want to let girls that want to get into this business know that everything is possible. If they want to be a calf roper or anything else, that nothing should ever stop them." Like the title says, "U Go Girl!!!" For more information, log on to www.marwilstables.com  Anthony McClean is a Researcher/Reporter/Writer for ESPN and Black Athlete Sports Network. You can also hear his sports commentaries every Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. on "Sport Talk" on WCLM-AM 1450 in Richmond, Virginia (www.wclmradio.com). WANT TO REACH THIS WRITER Copyright 2006 by BlackAthlete.net, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
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