"Bass Reeves: The Black Hero on Horseback Rides into TV Screens"
The new TV series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" is shedding light on the forgotten legacy of Bass Reeves, a Black law enforcement legend in the Wild West. Reeves, portrayed by David Oyelowo, was a former slave who became a deputy U.S. marshal and is believed to be the first Black person hired in that position west of the Mississippi. The series explores his life, from escaping slavery to his career as a lawman, and highlights the absence of Black cowboys in the traditional Western genre. Reeves' story serves as a reminder of the often overlooked contributions of Black heroes in American history.
