In the photo above is Manuel "Junior" Ruffian, or Prince Bogino as he was called in the ring. Junior died last year in Oct. shortly after being inducted into the Ring of Fame. He was bill as "the first African American wild animal trainer", in earlier times billed as "the first black wild animal trainer", making his debut in 1958: Manuel Ruffin, 72, first Black animal trainer
As mentioned earlier on this blog, Junior was a dear friend of mine, and I went to my first Ring of Fame induction last year at his request to be there for him. That said, to establish that I am not attempting to "rain on his parade", does anyone know who the gentleman is below, and what year the photograph was taken?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Scrutinizing History?
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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4 comments:
Here's a clue. Since the lower picture appears to be European, it's very likely that the trainer was not African American (an American of African desent. We tend to use the term African American and black interchangeably, forgetting, of course that most Africans are not American.
Therefore, Ruffin may have been the first African American cat trainer. Though, didn't Blackaman, the 'hypnotist' have lions?
Ian
Off topic - Black Americans hate it when I tell them that I am more African American than they, having been born in Tanzania and am a naturalized Amercan. It's always good for a chuckle.
Ian,
Forget you, Pal!!!!!! In today's world of politically correct "single moms, abused women, minority, handicapped, tenure, seniority, your actions offend me, I get the scholarship by birthright" etc. etc. concerns, as soon as the middle class white male can catch a break, we will address you "white Africans". Until then, take a number, shut the f**k up, and be patient. LOL
In regards to Blacaman, I believe he was as "Motherland African" as the King Charles Troupe.
Wade Burck
don't forget
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/obamas-war-will-not-end-well/blog-206025/?link=ibaf&imgurl=http://iowntheworld.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/lion_appeaser.jpg&q=obama%2Blion%2Btrainer
Anonymous,
Come on, no do over's. I posted a picture on Dec. 20, 2010 of our Commander in Chief laying nekked on a tiger skin rug, so we have to assume tigers are his favorite animal. He can't change his mind and go "lion" later. Given he has reneged on so much already, I am going to hold him to something, and that something is tigers. Case closed!!!!
Wade
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