O.G.

This piece depicts a Black man riding a cow with the words "Original Cowboy" serving as a header and footer. "Cowboy" is in quotes, highlighting the historical significance of the term, which explicitly means a Black man who tends to cattle. "Cowboy" is in different shades of brown to mirror various Black skin tones. The man riding the cow shows a flashy smile with gold teeth while wearing blue and yellow, the colors of Will Rogers High School. Will Rogers was a Cherokee Indian who grew up with Black Cowboys in Oklahoma. These Black Cowboys taught him roping skills and showmanship. Will Rogers, a descendant of Cherokee lawmen and a famous movie star, took "cowboy" Hollywood, losing its historical meaning. This piece remains deeply personal to the artist, as a Black Cherokee Freedman who is a descendant of Charley Rogers, a man enslaved by the Rogers family. The artist's father, who attended Will Rogers High School, has been a cattle farmer, or "cowboy" since childhood. The piece depicts the artist's father in his signature grill, wearing his alma mater colors, and featuring his personal brand on the cow. The use of materials depicting brick and wood add a layer of depth, echoing how foundational the history of Black Cowboys is to the nation. "O.G." serves to educate the viewer on the true history of the Original "Cowboy."