GOOGLE: Compton Cowboys
In 2019, we were developing a new, data-driven documentary series from that offered an unexpected view into the American experience through Search Trends, offering a deeper understanding of the people, places, and experiences that make up the rich and diverse tapestry of our country. We were two stories in when Covid-19 came along and put an infinite pause on the series' production, but I am grateful that this piece still found its way out in the world after everything turned upside down.
Keiara.
We first traveled to Compton, California, after seeing that search interest around “horse rescue” was trending in the area. In our quest to understand why, we met Keiara Wade, the lone cowgirl of the Compton Cowboys, who has never stopped chasing of her dream of becoming the first black female rider to compete in the national rodeo.
We partnered with director Floyd Russ to tell her story in this moving documentary short, which premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
A timely message of community.
Though the ongoing pandemic had indefinitely paused the launch of our branded piece, on June 7th, 2020, the Compton Cowboys led a peace ride through their hometown as protests swept the world in response to the murder of George Floyd and in support of Black lives everywhere.
It was a community defining moment during which Search interest in the U.S. for the Compton Cowboys soared higher than ever before, and an opportunity to re-open the edit and create this piece, honoring and elevating their story to a larger audience.
