Houston – Many families are learning something new thanks to a beloved PBS Kids series. A new episode of the Emmy-nominated animated show Alma’s Way is shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked history of Black cowboys, and a Houston woman played a key role in bringing that story to life. The series is produced by Fred Rogers Productions, which aims to carry forward the pioneering spirit of the beloved Fred Rogers.
Aisha McElroy served as an advisor on the episode “Cowboy Howard,” which follows young characters as they discover that many of America’s earliest cowboys and cowgirls were Black. The storyline mirrors a reality McElroy says she experienced herself, learning later in life that her own great-grandparents were ranchers, farmers, and cowboys whose stories were never widely told.
McElroy founded the Black Cowboy Coalition after uncovering her family’s history and realizing how little representation exists around Black cowboy culture, both past and present. She says the episode is about more than history. It is about showing children that curiosity matters and that American stories are bigger and more diverse than many realize.
The episode also highlights the “true cowboy spirit.” Hard work, caring for animals, helping others, and showing up for your community. She worked closely with the Alma’s Way production team to make sure everything, from character design to dialogue, reflected authenticity rather than stereotypes.
Season three of Alma’s Way, created by Sonia Manzano of Sesame Street, continues to explore culture, identity, and confidence through stories kids can relate to. The new season is now streaming for free on the PBS Kids app. Families can also learn more about McElroy’s work and the Black Cowboy Coalition here. You can watch the full-episode of “Cowboy Howard” here.