Thank you
Thank you to our dedicated Roustabouts (Donors & Volunteers) who made this exhibition possible.
Reece Family
Paul Byrd
Michael Blair
Bernice Collins
Charles Morabito
King Charles Unicycle Troupe
Kinetic Arts Center
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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All donations are tax deductible through our fiscal sponsorship with Fractured Atlas.
Growing Up In Two Worlds
Zachary spent his childhood in both NYC with his parents and St. Petersburg, Florida with his grandparents.
"In my Florida world, it was all black people, very segregated. In NY, it was a whole different world. White kids, Spanish kids- living in our building!"
He became adaptable to both environments.
"I became a chameleon at a very early age"
Zachary adopted a "perfect child" persona staying with his grandparents in Florida.
"I was the perfect kid. But then I'd have this other side of me- my street side. In NY we'd do all sorts of wild things."
Zachary in Vietnam, and metals.
Vietnam
Zachary joined the US Army and was sent to Vietnam for 22 months. He returned home at the age of 21.
"When I came back from Vietnam... I was in a horrible state. I hated America. I hated white people. I hated the establishment.
I was full of hate"
When he returned to New York, his family was concerned about his mental health. They urged him to return to Florida to stay with his grandparents.
The Introduction
While in Florida, Zachary ran into his cousin, Keywash, who was traveling with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as a member of their King Charles Unicycle Troupe.
Keywash encouraged Zachary to join them.
King Charles Unicycle Troupe
Curtains Opened
When Zachary arrived at the circus he was exposed to people of all different races.
“They were all friendly to me…
and we were in Florida! One of the most racists states in America."
My whole outlook on life started to change.
Becoming A Clown
While traveling with the circus in Hartford, Connecticut, a local family invited Zachary and other performers for Thanksgiving dinner at their home.
After dinner, the clowns put makeup on Zachary and performed an impromptu skit.
“People loved me as a clown.”
A year later, he attended Ringling Clown College.
I finally found something that I wanted to do.
Who You Are
His clown is a silent character.
"Words can mean everything and they can mean nothing. But your facial expression, the way you stand, walk, look... without your sound. Is who you are. I want that audience to feel me.
Fitting In
Skeeter has been in the circus for # years now.
"I found a place where I fit in. People know me from my heart."
It takes a while until you become your clown.
I love my clown, I know exactly what is.
I say my clown because we're two different people.
I'm two different people altogether. And I've been like that for a long time. It's my clown who puts all those people together.
There’s More To The Story!
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