A ball for the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, has been canceled due to concerns about the circus theme of the event being inappropriate in a city once segregated. 

According to The Tampa Bay Times, the Junior League of St. Petersburg is a community organization that has regularly thrown balls for mayors of the city. However, this year’s theme has been met with resistance from leaders in the city’s Black community. 

The event was canceled after Mayor-elect Ken Welch declined to attend. The “Under the Big Top” theme had promotional material consisting of a circus tent with a Black pelican in a top hat. 

Black community leaders pointed out the time period where Blacks weren’t allowed to attend the circus in the predominately white city in the past, and called the theme disrespectful according to an NPR article. 

“He has nothing to do with a circus, clowns, animals,” said Rev. J.C. Pritchett, president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, in the NPR report. “He’s a gentleman. A kind gentleman and a public servant.” 

According to NPR, Welch said in a statement that the situation is a “teachable moment” for greater racial inclusion in a city which is roughly 70% white. 

The report also mentions that Junior League spokeswoman Lisa Brock stated that balls from previous years have always been themed and was disappointed in Welch’s decision. Brock also notes that the group has added a board focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Brock says the organization may be able to have the opportunity to hold an event for the mayor in the future. 

Welch takes office Jan. 6.