World-class bull rider to speak at college

The first African-American to win a world bull-riding title is expected to address the campus community and attend a fundraiser next week.

Chadron State contracted with Charlie Sampson, 55, of Los Angeles, to share his story  at 7 p.m., Feb. 21 in Memorial Hall’s Auditorium. Sampson is also expected attend the Rodeo Club’s “Black Tie Calf Fry” fundraiser Friday night at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. The former event is free to the public; the latter costs $10 and includes dinner.

As a youth, Sampson took a job at riding stables near Gardena, Calif., rather than get involved with Los Angeles’ gang culture, Laure Sinn, Student Activities Coordinator, said at a Jan. 22 meeting of Student Senate’s Campus Activities Board subcommittee meeting. This exposure to horses sparked Sampson’s interest in bull riding, which led to his eventual earning of the 1982 World Bull-Riding Championship title.

CAB allocated $2,000 toward bringing Sampson to CSC at its Jan. 22 meeting.