Today we’d like to introduce you to Trae Venerable.
Hi Trae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Trae Q. L. Venerable is an author, horseman, educator, and advocate whose work focuses on preserving and sharing the history of African American cowboys. Raised in a family with deep roots in ranching and agriculture, he developed a love for horses, cattle, and the outdoors at an early age. His upbringing taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for tradition.
Growing up, Trae spent countless hours learning ranching skills and listening to stories passed down through generations of his family. These experiences shaped his understanding of the important role that Black cowboys played in the development of the American West. As he grew older, he recognized that many of these contributions were often overlooked in mainstream history.
Determined to help change that, Trae began sharing these stories through writing, public speaking, and educational outreach. He became known for his efforts to introduce young readers to the rich history of African American cowboys and ranchers. Through his books and presentations, he encouraged children and adults alike to explore a broader understanding of American history.
In addition to his work as an author, Trae remained deeply connected to ranching and horsemanship. His experience with horses and livestock allowed him to maintain a direct connection to the traditions he worked so hard to preserve. He often emphasized that cowboy culture is built on character, perseverance, and community rather than stereotypes.
Throughout his career, Trae combined his passion for education with his commitment to cultural preservation. Whether speaking to students, participating in community events, or working on the ranch, he sought to inspire others to appreciate history and learn from the experiences of those who came before them.
Today, Trae’s legacy is reflected in his dedication to storytelling, education, and the preservation of cowboy heritage. His work continues to highlight the contributions of African American cowboys/farmers and serves as a reminder that history is enriched by many voices and experiences. Through his leadership and advocacy, he has helped ensure that these important stories remain part of the American narrative for future generations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have learned that anything of worth is an uphill battle. Throughout my life, I have faced rejection, setbacks, and moments when others doubted my abilities or questioned my vision. There were times when doors closed, opportunities slipped away, and the path ahead seemed uncertain. However, I refused to let rejection define me.
Instead, I chose to learn from every disappointment and use it as motivation to keep moving forward. Each obstacle taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, patience, and resilience. The challenges I encountered strengthened my character and pushed me to work harder, grow wiser, and remain focused on my goals.
Looking back, I realize that the struggles were not roadblocks—they were stepping stones. They helped shape who I am and prepared me for the opportunities that followed. My journey has shown me that success is not about avoiding rejection; it is about overcoming it. Anything of worth requires effort, determination, and the courage to continue climbing, even when the road is steep. That is why I embrace the uphill battle, knowing that the greatest rewards often come after the hardest climbs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Venerable’s Projects, LLC, our mission is to create meaningful stories, educational programs, and creative projects that inspire, entertain, and preserve culture and history. Through books, media, community engagement, and storytelling, we strive to highlight underrepresented voices and share experiences that connect generations.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our creative work with several upcoming projects, including a new short film starring CowPoke and Stormy. This family-friendly production will bring beloved characters to life through adventure, humor, and valuable life lessons while celebrating the spirit of the Western tradition. The film is part of our ongoing commitment to producing engaging content that educates, entertains, and leaves a positive impact on audiences of all ages.
As Venerable’s Projects, LLC continues to grow, we remain dedicated to creating opportunities, preserving heritage, and developing innovative projects that make a lasting difference in our communities.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In my business journey, I’ve learned that growth requires risk. I’ve chosen to bet on myself even when outcomes weren’t guaranteed, investing time, energy, and resources into ideas I believe in. There have been moments of uncertainty and doubt, but I’ve continued forward knowing that playing it safe rarely leads to meaningful progress.
Taking risks has meant trusting my vision, learning from failure, and adapting quickly when things don’t go as planned. Each decision—whether it succeeded or fell short—has strengthened my experience and sharpened my direction. By betting on myself, I’ve accepted that setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it.
Ultimately, I see risk-taking as a necessary part of building something lasting. My willingness to step forward despite uncertainty is what continues to move my business and purpose ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.traevenerable.com
- Instagram: TraeQLVenerable
- Facebook: TraeQLVenerable
- Twitter: TraeQLVenerable
- Youtube: TraeQLVenerable
