Zander
“Zeke”
Charles
Ringmaster Sidekick
Thank you
Thank you to our dedicated Roustabouts (Donors & Volunteers) who made this exhibition possible.
Deneise Howard
UniverSoul Circus
The UNCLE JUNIOR PROJECT is a community driven digital exhibit dedicated to celebrating and sharing the inspiring stories of African American circus performers.
This exhibit was made possible by our Roustabouts. This is our community of passionate and named after the title given to people who would set up and tear down circus tents.
If you’d like to help us continue preserving and celebrating the history of black circus performers, please consider donating below.
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Beginnings…
“Growing up, I wanted to be a fireman, policeman, a Karate-man.
I liked martial arts… but I never got in any fight because I just got along with everybody and loved everybody.”
After high school, Zeke worked for 10 years as a computer engineer in data processing.
“I was tired of working the 9-5.
I wanted to do something else.”
For the next 10 years, Zeke worked as a DJ and hosted parties.
“I loved the way the DJ could master the crowd.
Being short, I was always in the spotlight anyways. Why not get paid for it?”
Getting Into The Ring
Zeke and Cedric Walker
Zeke met Cedric Walker, who was producing plays, concerts and festivals.
Cedric had just produced the first national rap tour, the 1984 Fresh Festival, featuring artists Run-DMC, the Fat Boys, and Kurtis Blow.
Click above to watch
NYC Fresh Festival Commercial (30sec)
Festival Flyer
Festival Flyer
Festival Flyer
Cedric Walker
Cedric approached Zeke about becoming involved in the first African-American circus – Universoul Circus.
Zeke had been recruited by Ringling Bros. before.
Since he was short, the only position they had for him was being a clown.
“I knew I could be more than just a clown jumping out of a car. I had p
ersonality, charisma, spunk, soul… We took it
came and took it to another level. “
Zeke joined the Universoul Circus in it’s very first year.
He took the position of Ringmaster Sidekick alongside Ringmaster “Casual Cal” Dupree (pictured on left).
The First Show
Cheyenne, Zeke, and Lucky Malatsi
“It’s one thing to do it in the rehearsal, but another with a whole other with live audience.
We knew our performers were great, but now how was it going to be received?
Show number 1, we blew it out the tent.”
At first Universoul Circus was local to Atlanta, Georgia.
After 4 years, they expanded to three more cities.
They are now in 28 to 30 cities a year.
A few of the original members of the Universoul Circus
Click above to watch (41 mins Youtube)
Click above to watch (30 seconds Universoul Circus)
Race & The Circus
As Universoul Circus grew, it began to reach a broader audience of all nationalities and races.
By 1997 the Universoul circus tour grew to 10 cities, 19 cities in 1999, 31 cities in 2000, and 32 cities in 2005. The first international destination was completed in 2001 in South Africa.
“Soul is not a color, it’s an experience.”
“At first I thought I would do it only for 5 years or so.
5 years turned into 10, into 15, now 20 years.
We do about 500 shows a year.
I love what I do, I could do it for another 20 years.”
There’s More To The Story!
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