Executive Summary

This proposal outlines a national 2026 Book & Documentary Tour centered on the work and legacy of renowned historian and author Art T. Burton. The tour combines Burton’s published books with the 60-minute documentary film The Black Cowboy, featuring Art T. Burton, to present an immersive, educational, and culturally significant live event.

Each tour stop is designed as a two-hour experience that blends historical scholarship, visual storytelling, live discussion, and community engagement. The tour aims to correct historical omissions, elevate public understanding of Black Western history, and create a sustainable platform for education, dialogue, and future film production.

Purpose & Vision

The 2026 Book & Documentary Tour is designed to:

• Place accurate, documented Black Western history into the public sphere

• Amplify the lifelong work of Art T. Burton as a leading authority on the Black cowboy, lawmen, and frontier history

• Engage diverse communities through film, lecture, and discussion

• Provide a platform for fundraising toward a future film production (to be finalized in contract)

• Preserve the integrity, brand, and messaging of Art T. Burton across all tour events

This tour affirms that all communities are part of this history, and that truthful storytelling strengthens shared cultural understanding.