Arkansas’ first Black rodeo queen focuses on helping kids with children’s book
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Horses have been featured in many ways but an Arkansan hopes it inspires kids to read and want to join the rodeo.
24-year-old Ja’Dayia Kursh says she found hope at a young age after riding horses.
“So, when I was 6, I was sexually assaulted and my mom put me in counseling.” Kursh goes on to say, “My counselor invited us to her ranch, and she introduced me to her horse.”
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Kursh said it was from there that her life began to change.
“She set me in a saddle, and she handed me the reins to my freedom,” Kursh said.
She says she began to ride competitively which led her to make history at 18-years-old being crowned Arkansas’ first black rodeo queen.
“Before I knew I was making history I was having fun,” Kursh said.
Now, Kursh said she is creating something special with a children’s book to inspire young kids.
“I’m the creator of ‘Cowgirl J and The Magical Lasso’ books,” Kursh said “Just really pushing Cowgirl J and diversity and representation so that the kids can see themselves in this industry because there’s room for all of us.
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As she continues to want to help break barriers for others, it’s nothing new for her.
“For Northside High School I was the first woman to play football and I wasn’t a kicker, I was defensive and right tackle and middle linebacker,” Kursh said.
She says she wants young kids to know their past doesn’t define them.
“Statically, I’m not supposed to be half the woman I am today. My mom had me as a teenager and my dad has been in federal prison my whole life,” Kursh said.
However, for Kursh, she says she tries never to cower in the face of adversity.
“If someone says I can’t do it, (she says) let me show you,” Kursh said.
She says she hopes other kids will begin to realize their dreams can become a reality, no matter what anyone says.
“Always keep thriving and keep going you never know who you will wake up to be,” Kursh said.
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Towards the end of April, she said she would begin her book tour across the Natural State.
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