Honor UniverSoul Circus Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 800 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMEMORATING the 23rd Anniversary of the UniverSoul Circus WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those organizations that have brought entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of the UniverSoul Circus; and WHEREAS, The UniverSoul Circus is a single ring circus, established in 1994, by Cedric Walker, an African American man who had a vision of creating a circus, with the majority of performers being people of color; traveling all over the world to find people with incredible talents, he was able to find entertainers from approximately 24 different countries; and WHEREAS, Cedric Walker's vision was to explore the various talents, other than singing and dancing, that people of color performers had to offer; he wanted to apply their gathered years of experience in the live appearance industry with the intent to make a difference, to change the industry they lived in, and to create growth and opportunity; and WHEREAS, The first performance took place in the parking lot of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium in 1994; since its debut, the UniverSoul Circus has successfully turned the traditional circus world upside down; by 1997, the circus tour had grown to a 10 city tour; two years later,

19 cities; a South African tour in 2001; an Emmy nominated HBO special in 1998; and in 2005, a 32-city tour; and WHEREAS, Today, The UniverSoul Circus is playing to packed houses from coast to coast, successfully entertaining all who comes to their shows; and WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human expression; they are truly a universal language and its contribution to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples cannot be overestimated; and WHEREAS, The history, the heritage, and the lives of the people of all countries and all cultures are portrayed in their exhibits; the art and act of sharing them enriches us altogether; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all of the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of the UniverSoul Circus; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Cedric Walker, Founder/CEO, UniverSoul Circus.