Matthew “Bones” Hooks was one of the first Black cowboys to work alongside white ranch hands. He was born in 1867 to formerly enslaved parents and began working at the age of seven. During his life, Hooks had a profound impact on Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. He played a significant role in the establishment of the first Black church in West Texas, and he was instrumental in the founding and development of the city’s North Heights neighborhood.
“He did a lot for the children in the North Heights, being an example, starting programs, sports, and other things to make the community better,” said Beth Duke, executive director of Center City Amarillo. “He was really a leader in his community.”
Hooks was involved with many organizations in addition to his contributions to the North Heights community. He participated in the Old Settlers associations of both Amarillo and Pampa, the Western Cowpunchers Association, the Montana Cowpunchers Association, the XIT Ranch organization, and he was a charter member of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society. He was also the first Black male to serve on a Potter County Grand Jury. Hooks was recognized for his work and contributions to the Texas Panhandle during the fall of 2021 when he was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
"If you look through the legacy of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, these are people who have made a difference keeping the west alive, the cowboy history, but also made a contribution to their culture and their community,” said Duke. “While the park does keep his memory alive here in Amarillo, this puts it on a national scale.”
Bones Hooks Park, located in the heart of North Heights, was dedicated by the city of Amarillo in 1932 in appreciation of Hooks’ contributions to the community. Today, it is frequently the site of gatherings and celebrations, including an annual Juneteenth celebration.
“Bones Hooks is a great example of why we should keep talking about and remembering our history,” said Duke. “You won’t always see a building, you won’t always see a statue, to know the importance they had on the community, and that’s why it’s so important, especially during Black History Month, to just recognize the people who built our community.”
