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Sunday Special: NC Black Country a community of faith, family, horses

Spend some time this Sunday in the thriving culture of modern-day black cowboys in North Carolina. The documentary, directed and produced by first-time filmmaker Keyetta Mangum, follows cowboys and cowgirls connected by faith, family and a love of horses. It introduces viewers to an African-American culture raising younger generations to value the connection between nature, hard work and each other.

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Spend some time this Sunday in the thriving culture of modern-day black cowboys in North Carolina. The documentary, directed and produced by first-time filmmaker Keyetta Mangum, follows cowboys and cowgirls connected by faith, family and a love of horses. It introduces viewers to an African-American culture raising younger generations to value the connection between nature, hard work and each other.

Mangum the project four years ago with the idea of introducing the world to the culture she knew first hand.

“I was born and raised Black Country. The people you meet in this program are family members and close friends," she says.

“People might be surprised to know this culture is thriving in North Carolina and throughout the southeast. Black Country is more than just the title of this documentary. It’s a state of mind, a commitment to hard work, nature, family and faith. I am Black Country, and I’m proud to share my upbringing.”

The documentary follows Harrison and Derrius Todd, brothers from Zebulon, who fell in love with raising horses. Over the years, they have become mentors for other young men and women who find purpose and a sense of belonging in hard work. They also developed an event known as “The Biggest Bonfire On Earth” that happens annually in Zebulon.

The documentary also introduces viewers to Donal Gooch, an elder statesman of black cowboys. His influence and new ideas are innovating the modern cowboy movement across North Carolina and the southeast. Gooch’s approach to trail rides and local bush track racing set the scene for Black Country and offer a way for people to stay connected to their country roots.

Caitlin Gooch, Donal’s daughter, has also found her calling in the world of horses. She uses the animals as a way to connect younger children with nature. Her non-profit literacy program, “Saddle Up and Read,” educates children about the history of black cowboys.

Black Country is produced by Capitol Broadcasting Company in partnership with Black Country Productions, LLC. (Capitol Broadcasting Company is the parent company of WRAL and WRAL.com.)

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