Black Unicycle Basketball Stars Ride Into Ringling Bros. History

The King Charles Troupe is the first African-American circus act in Ringling Bros. history, having debuted in 1969. The unicycle act plays basketball and even performs on ice during the show. 

Above: Evan Wiley rides by as troupe warms up backstage before their performance.

Left: Marcus Koch, Mark Birthwright, Aaniya Raphiel (seated) and Ramel Robinson. 

Right: Evan Wiley is the 4th generation in his family to ride with the King Charles Troupe.

Marcus Koch, who has been a member of the King Charles Troupe for 21 years, rides into the arena with some carryout food.

Greg Rone warms up before the act.

Kaseem Alamudeen and other members of the troupe salute the crowd during the finale.

The troupe thrills the crowd with their unicycle basketball act.

The troupe thrills the crowd with their unicycle basketball act.

Members of the King Charles Troupe warm up the crowd during the pre-show.

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Members of the troupe relax backstage after warming up the crowd during the pre-show.

The King Charles Troupe thrills the crowd with their unicycle basketball act on April 21 in Baltimore.

Jordan Birthwright is the son of another troupe performer, Mark Birthwright.

Aaniya Raphiel, granddaughter of Floyd Harrison, one of the founding members of the group, bows to the crowd along with other members of her troupe.

Mark Birthwright returns backstage after performing.

Members of the troupe salute the crowd during the finale.

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