Juneteenth 84

San Francisco, 1984. Poster measuring 23 x 17.5 inches. Fine condition. Fine. A poster designed for a Juneteenth musical celebration and parade in San Francisco in 1984 featuring a portrait of Isom Dart, characterized on the poster as "Outlaw, Gunfighter, Gang Leader, Cattlerustler, Community Protector." The eight participating bands include the Johnny Hartsman Blues Band, Demons of the Mind, Mystic Youth & I Skeeda, All the Kings Men, The Champion Band, Stellar, Imani, and the Galaxy Show Band. The event, promoted as an "Emancipation Celebration," spanned two weekend days in June at the San Francisco Rodeo. The poster indicates partial funding from the San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund. Isom (or Isam) Dart (1858-1900) was a prominent Black cowboy in the American West, embodying various roles such as ranch hand, bronco buster, horse thief, and vigilante. Born on a farm in Seguin, Texas, Dart worked at the renowned Goodnight Ranch, engaged in cattle drives to Wyoming, and met his demise on October 3, 1900, near Browns Peak during the Colorado Range Wars. The circumstances of Dart's death, with suspicions pointing to the involvement of famed scout detective Tom Horn, add complexity to his legacy. It is unclear whether this concert featured any western or rodeo content besides the title and graphic design of the poster, though the celebration of Juneteenth and the use of Isom's imagery are notable.