UniverSoul Circus
Encyclopedia
The UniverSoul Circus is a single ring circus
founded and run since 1994 by Cedric Walker. It currently contains 75 primarily African-American performers and 12 acts. The circus is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia
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The UniverSoul Circus was founded in 1994. The circus attempts to showcase black culture and talent that are generally less well-known. Although the history section of the official website states that "We had the idea to present ... to a wide demographic of spectators.", the audience photographs on the website show audiences that are almost entirely African-American.
In creating the show, research into black entertainment from the turn of the century was allegedly utilized, including references to as a black circus operating in 1893. Recruiting, training and production began in 1993. Prince BoJino, one of the first black lion tamers, helped organize training for the animal acts.
The first performance took place in 1994 in the parking lot of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. The first season of operations brought formidable debt upon the organization. By 1997 the circus tour grew to 10 cities, 19 cities in 1999, 31 cities in 2000, and 32 cities in 2005. A tour of South Africa, the first international destination, was completed in 2001.
The circus has also put the public in danger several times. Episodes include three separate instances of escaped tigers. One of the tigers made its way down an alley, frightening employees of a nearby restaurant. Another tiger, named Igor, ran loose in the circus tent where children from several elementary schools were walking around.
Circus
A circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists...
founded and run since 1994 by Cedric Walker. It currently contains 75 primarily African-American performers and 12 acts. The circus is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
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The UniverSoul Circus was founded in 1994. The circus attempts to showcase black culture and talent that are generally less well-known. Although the history section of the official website states that "We had the idea to present ... to a wide demographic of spectators.", the audience photographs on the website show audiences that are almost entirely African-American.
In creating the show, research into black entertainment from the turn of the century was allegedly utilized, including references to as a black circus operating in 1893. Recruiting, training and production began in 1993. Prince BoJino, one of the first black lion tamers, helped organize training for the animal acts.
The first performance took place in 1994 in the parking lot of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. The first season of operations brought formidable debt upon the organization. By 1997 the circus tour grew to 10 cities, 19 cities in 1999, 31 cities in 2000, and 32 cities in 2005. A tour of South Africa, the first international destination, was completed in 2001.
Animal cruelty violations and public safety concerns
The UniverSoul Circus and its animal vendors have a regular history of animal cruelty violations from 1997 to the present time that are well documented. These violations include undersized cages, incorrect diet, beating of animals with instruments such as bullhooks or electric prods, and even death due to poor veterinary care. World-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall has appealed to UniverSoul Circus “to end the senseless exploitation of chimpanzees … who live out their lives in inhumane, lonely, and unnatural settings in the name of entertainment.”The circus has also put the public in danger several times. Episodes include three separate instances of escaped tigers. One of the tigers made its way down an alley, frightening employees of a nearby restaurant. Another tiger, named Igor, ran loose in the circus tent where children from several elementary schools were walking around.