From Compton’s streets to the shores of Ghana,
The story of Black horsemen has always transcended one city, one country, or one era. In Accra, Ghana, this gathering is where those stories converge—where the legacy of the Compton Cowboys and the essence of 'Black in the Saddle' come together. It's a powerful late afternoon experience of connection, as Cowboys in Accra share their lived experiences, especially during the vibrant Detty December.
What Happens When Cowboys Touch Down in Accra
Live Conversation with the Author
Listen to author Louis C. Hook as he shares the inspiring journey behind 'Black in the Saddle'—from research and writing to riding alongside the Compton Cowboys, and exploring the connection to the Cowboys in Accra, Ghana, especially during the vibrant Detty December celebrations.
Meet the Compton Cowboys
Listen as they speak on growing up in Compton, California, USA, and how the Compton Cowboys found their passion through the horses that changed their lives. Their journey highlights how riding became a form of resistance, healing, and community care, much like the spirit of 'Black in the Saddle' resonates with the vibrant culture of Cowboys in Accra, Ghana. This connection even extends to celebrations like Detty December, showcasing the universal bond of community through equestrian experiences.
Royal Context & Cultural Lineage
Gain a powerful perspective from HRM Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV on Ghana’s equestrian traditions, chieftaincy, and the ancestral ties that bind us, reflecting the vibrant culture of Accra Ghana, where initiatives like Black in the Saddle and the Compton Cowboys are inspiring a new generation of Cowboys in Accra, especially during the festive spirit of Detty December.
XP Riding Ghana: Local Equestrian Insight
Hear from Marie Wini of XP Riding Ghana as she shares what it means to steward horse culture in Accra, Ghana today. She invites riders from Ghana and the diaspora, including those inspired by the Compton Cowboys and the emerging Cowboys in Accra, to experience the power of horses up close, especially during the vibrant Detty December festivities.
Moderated by Ivy Prosper
Guided by storyteller and media personality Ivy Prosper, expect a conversation that is insightful, grounded, and deeply human, reflecting the vibrant culture of Accra Ghana. Join us as we explore themes from 'Black in the Saddle' to the stories of the Compton Cowboys, all while connecting with the spirit of Cowboys in Accra during this Detty December.
Book Signing & Photo Moments
Get your copy of Black in the Saddle signed, take photos with the Compton Cowboys, and capture a moment in history during Detty December in Accra, Ghana, as we celebrate Cowboys in Accra.
Community, Culture & Connection
Join us in Accra, Ghana, to mix and mingle with creatives, culture keepers, riders, and returnees who are passionate about building connections across the diaspora. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of line dancing and Afrobeat and Hiplife music, inspired by the spirit of the Compton Cowboys and the unique essence of Cowboys in Accra, all while celebrating the energy of Detty December.
The People Behind the Story
The Compton Cowboys Randy Savvy, Founder
Louis C. Hook, Author of Black in the Saddle
Louis C. Hook, Author of Black in the Saddle
A collective of Black riders from Compton, California, known as the Compton Cowboys, embraces the motto, “Streets raised us. Horses saved us,” which reflects a legacy of using equestrian culture to uplift youth, challenge stereotypes, and rewrite the story of their community. This initiative inspires similar movements like Cowboys in Accr
A collective of Black riders from Compton, California, known as the Compton Cowboys, embraces the motto, “Streets raised us. Horses saved us,” which reflects a legacy of using equestrian culture to uplift youth, challenge stereotypes, and rewrite the story of their community. This initiative inspires similar movements like Cowboys in Accra, Ghana, showcasing how the message resonates globally, especially during events like Detty December.
Louis C. Hook, Author of Black in the Saddle
Louis C. Hook, Author of Black in the Saddle
Louis C. Hook, Author of Black in the Saddle
A writer, historian, and storyteller dedicated to revealing how Europe and the Americas drew inspiration from the horsemen of Accra, Ghana, and Black equestrian traditions to shape the cowboy culture we recognize today. This exploration also highlights the influence of movements like the Compton Cowboys and the vibrant spirit of Cowboys i
A writer, historian, and storyteller dedicated to revealing how Europe and the Americas drew inspiration from the horsemen of Accra, Ghana, and Black equestrian traditions to shape the cowboy culture we recognize today. This exploration also highlights the influence of movements like the Compton Cowboys and the vibrant spirit of Cowboys in Accra, especially during the festive Detty December season.
Marie Wini XP Riding Ghana
Louis C. Hook, Author of Black in the Saddle
Marie Wini XP Riding Ghana
Marie brings a grounded Ghanaian equestrian perspective to the panel, rooted in her daily work with riders, students, and horses in Accra, Ghana. Her lens connects the healing power of horses to community, culture, and coastal life in Ghana, echoing the spirit of the Compton Cowboys and their initiatives. This perspective is especially re
Marie brings a grounded Ghanaian equestrian perspective to the panel, rooted in her daily work with riders, students, and horses in Accra, Ghana. Her lens connects the healing power of horses to community, culture, and coastal life in Ghana, echoing the spirit of the Compton Cowboys and their initiatives. This perspective is especially relevant during Detty December, as it highlights the vibrant connection between Cowboys in Accra and the rich traditions of the equestrian community.
HRM Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV
Louis C. Hook, Author of Black in the Saddle
Marie Wini XP Riding Ghana
A traditional ruler and cultural custodian, this bridge-builder honors the royal and spiritual dimensions of Ghana’s equestrian heritage, much like the Compton Cowboys, while also recognizing our shared responsibility to protect it. As we celebrate events like Detty December in Accra, Ghana, we connect with the spirit of being Black in th
A traditional ruler and cultural custodian, this bridge-builder honors the royal and spiritual dimensions of Ghana’s equestrian heritage, much like the Compton Cowboys, while also recognizing our shared responsibility to protect it. As we celebrate events like Detty December in Accra, Ghana, we connect with the spirit of being Black in the Saddle, fostering a community that resonates with the essence of Cowboys in Accra.
Ivy Prosper Moderator
An acclaimed media personality, storyteller, and advocate based in Accra, Ghana, who has leveraged her platform to amplify African and diaspora narratives with nuance and care, much like the spirit of the Compton Cowboys and their initiative 'Black in the Saddle.' Her work resonates with themes that could easily find a home among the vibr
An acclaimed media personality, storyteller, and advocate based in Accra, Ghana, who has leveraged her platform to amplify African and diaspora narratives with nuance and care, much like the spirit of the Compton Cowboys and their initiative 'Black in the Saddle.' Her work resonates with themes that could easily find a home among the vibrant celebrations of Detty December, while also capturing the essence of 'Cowboys in Accra' and the stories that emerge from this unique cultural blend.