Program tells of African American cowboys of Old West

By BOB COUPLAND Tribune Chronicle

WARREN — Many African Americans were pioneers of the Old West and some became important and well-known cowboys and cowgirls.

Warren residents Cliff and Lillie Johnson spent time researching African American cowboys and cowgirls earlier this year for a program for Wild West Days at the Warren SCOPE Center.

The Johnsons spoke this week at the Kirk Club meeting held at the First Presbyterian Church.

‘‘There were some African Americans who help make the Wild West very wild,’’ Cliff Johnson said.

Lillie, a retired music teacher for Warren schools, and Cliff, a retired principal at Warren Western Reserve High School, said they were able to find interesting individuals who contributed to the settling of the West and helped with establishing schools and churches and being part of the rodeos.