Ride On

Charmaine Motte

Charmaine Motte has called Oklahoma home since the late 1990s. As the daughter of a military father, she experienced life in diverse places including Alaska, Utah, and Colorado before settling in Oklahoma City in 1996.

Soon after, she began her academic journey at Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City, later transferring to the University of Central Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In 2017, she pursued graduate studies at Oklahoma City University, completing her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership.

Charmaine’s passion for education and leadership inspired her to continue her studies at Oklahoma State University, where she is currently working toward her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: Higher Education. Her dissertation focuses on the underrepresentation of Black Cowboys in both agriculture and rodeo, highlighting an important and often overlooked aspect of American history and culture.

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  Miss Motte’s dedication to the history of the Black Cowboy and rodeo is deeply rooted in her family legacy. Her late great-grandfather founded the Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo in 1956, creating a space for Black cowboys and cowgirls at a time when they were excluded from many predominantly white rodeos.

  Her research highlights the impact of segregation experienced by her great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents, connecting personal family history to broader social and cultural narratives.

  Driven by a commitment to Black history, social justice, and activism, Miss Motte weaves these passions into her scholarship, ensuring that overlooked voices and traditions are recognized and preserved.