Erin Brown, known as The Concrete Cowgirl, has transformed her early experiences at Philadelphia’s Fletcher Street Stables into the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy (PURA), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city’s Black equestrian tradition. Founded in 2019 with the late Eric Miller and inspired by the Netflix film Concrete Cowboy, PURA offers youth programs and mentorship to sustain a community long threatened by gentrification. Brown emphasizes that the legacy is not about a single individual but a collective history of Black riders in Philadelphia, rooted in a culture dating back to the 19th century.

PURA provides more than riding lessons; it instills responsibility and growth in young people facing economic and social challenges. Brown highlights the financial barriers that limit access to equestrian sports despite abundant talent and envisions a future where Black riders from Philadelphia compete professionally on equal footing. With a new permanent facility opening soon, PURA aims to secure a lasting home for this urban cowboy culture, ensuring its survival and visibility for generations to come.