Celebrating The History of Black People in the American Circus
A community-driven digital exhibit.
The history of Black circus performers is quickly disappearing.
We can change that.
The next generation deserves to have the opportunity to gain the wisdom and strength these stories provide.
Help us to capture these stories now – before it’s too late.
DISCOVER
the achievements of African Americans in the circus.
CONNECT
with inspiring biographical stories.
PARTICIPATE
with people who defy stereotypes and step into their dreams - their circus ring.
We understand this history.
We have lived it.
Curated by nation’s top researchers, historians and performers of African descent
In-depth first hand accounts and research
Hundreds of hours of never before seen documentary footage
The Uncle Junior Project lends an opportunity to discover and honor the achievements of the many extraordinary individuals and groups in the African-American circus community.
TUJP is a digital exhibit that is:
inclusive of all groups of people
told by those who lived it
presented in an accessible format
true to both the positive and negative
Through interview-driven documentaries, powerful historical imagery, and personal essays; the exhibition profiles performers of African descent, such as: Emanuel "Junior” Ruffin, Tyrone Taylor, Bernice Collins, King Charles “Unicycle” Troupe, Vanessa Thomas Smith and Jonathan Lee Iverson.
Black people have a rich history in the American circus. With a legacy spanning from PT Barnum’s claim to fame, Joice Heth and, conjoined twins Millie and Christine McKoy; to Ringling Brothers’ center ring debut of the first black aerial act, Satin; and the Universoul Circus, the nation’s only African-American owned circus.
Discover their journeys through a spectacular display of cinematography and performances capturing their essence in four acts: Beginnings, Inspiration, Narrative, and Experience.
Through these stories, TUJP creates a platform for people to preserve history and inspire each other to step out of our comfort zone and into our circus ring
“It’s about moving past the limited vision that society has for you, and stepping into the talent and skill you know you have.”
Danise Payne
Have A Story To Share? Find Out How To Get Published Below.
Have a story to share?
Become a part of the Uncle Junior project.
Tell us your story.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY
The Uncle Junior Project was founded on the concept of people sharing their stories as they experienced them.
Work with us to create tell us about your circus journey in your own creative way.
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Got an old photo, poster, or program?
Contribute to our online exhibition!
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Help the Uncle Junior Project continue to preserve and celebrate the history of African American circus performers.
All donations are tax deductible through our fiscal sponsorship with Fractured Atlas.
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The Uncle Junior Project is a fiscally sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) charity. Contributions made payable to Fractured Atlas for the purposes of The Uncle Junior Project are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. If you receive a reward in exchange for your donation, the fair market value of that reward will reduce the tax-deductible portion of your donation. The value of the reward you receive will be included in your donation receipt.
