Episode Details

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cedric Walker. Founder of the UniverSoul Circus, shares his journey from producing gospel plays to creating a globally recognized, culturally rich circus experience. He discusses the inspiration behind the circus, the challenges he faced, the importance of representation, and the evolution of the show. The conversation emphasizes family entertainment, cultural authenticity, and global talent development. 🧭 Key Points 1. Origins and Vision

• Cedric began in gospel theater, producing plays that reflected real-life challenges in the Black community.
• Inspired by the power of theater to reflect culture, he envisioned a circus that celebrated African-American heritage and family unity.

2. Challenges and Breakthroughs

• Faced skepticism from both Black and white industry professionals.
• Overcame legal hurdles with Universal Studios by renaming the circus to UniverSoul Circus.
• Maintained his original vision despite pressure to conform.

3. Cultural Representation

• The circus was designed to be inclusive and multigenerational, with acts that resonate across age groups and backgrounds.
• Emphasized showcasing Black excellence in performance arts, from aerialists to unicyclists.

4. Global Talent and Training

• Talent is sourced globally from Ethiopia, Cuba, China, and the Caribbean.
• Performers undergo 4–5 years of training before appearing under the big top.
• Ethiopia is now a leading source of Black circus performers.

5. Evolution of the Show

• Transitioned away from animal acts due to changing laws and ethics.
• Integrated Afrobeats, hip-hop, and global dance styles to reflect evolving cultural trends.
• The show is described as a “family reunion under the big top.”

💬 Notable Quotes “The idea was to create something where a father, mother, daughter, and grandson could all sit together and enjoy the show.” “We wanted to uplift and celebrate the positive achievements and cultural contributions of African-Americans.” “Everything you see under the big top is curated—it takes 4 to 5 years before an act hits our stage.” “Ethiopia is leading the world in producing Black circus performers.” “It’s like a family reunion under the big top.” “We’re not going after any specific audience—we’re going after the world.” “UniverSoul Circus starts on time. Don’t be late—you’ll miss something great.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.