
Black magicians have a rich history that few people know about. They have been a part of the African- American community throughout history, from the era of slavery through reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance and Vaudeville, until today. Richard Potter (1783-1835) Richard Potter was the first recognized professional magician in the U.S. Henry “Box” Brown (1815-1897) escaped slavery by shipping himself in a box, earning his nickname, on a train from Virginia to Pennsylvania. He toured the U.S. as an abolitionist speaker and magician. Ellen Armstrong (1914 – 1979) was the only African-American woman of the early- to mid-20th century to star in her own touring magic show.
Yet today, despite their contributions, less than 10% of professional magicians are Black … although those numbers are increasing.
There are 11 professional African-American magicians from across the country and Canada performing in every showroom of The Magic Castle, February 3-9, a program schedule curated by Academy of Magical Arts board member and magician Kenrick “Ice” McDonald, who is producing a documentary on the history of Blacks in magic, Hidden Shoulders.
Also, among the 83 members of the AMA’s Junior Society—a very serious, auditions-only program of study for youth, ages 13-21—we have some of the next generation of magicians of color studying the art.
Magicians performing at the club are:
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Kenrick “ICE” McDonald performs a number of tricks involving his macaw. ICE, he says, stands for Illusions, Captivation, Enchantment. Kenrick “Ice” McDonald – Los Angeles – The first and only Black magician elected President of the Society of American Magicians, founded by Houdini, in the organization’s 123-year history.
- Larry Wilmore – Los Angeles – Whom you may also know from his Emmy Award-winning TV work and as host of Black on the Air.
- Walton “Spellbinder” King – Chicago
- Puck – Orlando
- The Evasons – Canada – A husband & wife mentalist act.
- Ran’D Shine – Philadelphia
- Ben Barnes – Chicago
- Mondre – Las Vegas
- Chris Capehart – Delaware
- Kevin Bethea – New Jersey
- Robert Stephens – Seattle