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"...If you have something that's a unique gift that you know God has given you, then you just specialize on that thing. You just really develop it. You just really spend your time on it, like you plunge your resources into that special that thing... to the point that you're the only one that does it, or you're the only one that does it the way that you do it, or to the level that you do it."In this episode of the Be. Make. Do. podcast, Lisa talks with Jakari Sherman, Founder of Ordered Steps, a nonprofit devoted to stepping as youth outreach and community development. From 2007-2014 Jakari served as the Artistic Director of Step Afrika!, He continues to develop and direct works for the company, including Off-Broadway and national tours of Drumfolk and The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, and remains a prolific choreographic mind for the company and beyond. His upcoming work is the premiere of a new multidisciplinary dance work, "Our Road Home" - June 2025; for the commemoration of 160 years since emancipation, and part of a year long collaboration with the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy.Jakari emphasizes the importance of innovation, purpose, and community in his work and shares his motivations, including a desire to create in new ways and the challenges of balancing artistic fulfillment with financial stability. Join us for this inspirational conversation.The Maker, The Mystic, The Soul Healer, The Imaginative Visionary, The Prophetic Critic or the Storyteller? What's your archetype? Take the quiz here!You can follow Jakari Sherman on Instagram @justjkcoGet connected to Step Afrika!: WebsiteStay in touch and share your thoughts:TikTok: @bemakedopodcast Instagram: @bemakedopodcast Facebook: @bemakedopodcast YouTube: @BeMakeDoPodcastSubscribe and follow Be.Make.Do. wherever you get your podcasts.
Have you contemplated sending your student to an all-Black school? Patricia Hogan Williams is Head of the Imani School, the largest black independent school in the U.S. Founded in 1988, the school serves 100% African American students and emphasizes faith, confidence, and self-belief. Williams highlights the importance of setting high expectations and providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and self-worth. The school's curriculum includes African American history and literature, aiming to instill pride and competence in students. Williams stresses the critical role of education in empowering black children and the need for intentionality in their learning environment. ABOUT PATRICIA HOGAN WILLIAMS A graduate of Fisk University, Patricia Hogan Williams has more than 40 years of experience as an educator with students from preschool classrooms to university campuses. She is the Founding Head and Executive Director of The Imani School — now the largest independent, predominantly African American private Christian school in the nation, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Williams continues to be the driving force behind the school's progression, prevailing at the school's helm since 1988. The institution has grown to include more than 350 students across pre-kinder, elementary, and middle school grade levels, receiving national and international recognition for its success in developing self-confidence and academic excellence in African-American children. Mrs. Williams also serves as an adjunct professor in Child Development at Texas Southern University, where she helps sow into the next generation of educators. For her commitment to improving the lives of children and youth, Williams has received numerous honors and awards including: U.S. News and World Report's “Twelve Indispensable Americans''; “Current History Maker” by KHOU –TV; the Distinguished Woman Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church's Audrey A. Lawson Impact Award winner; the American Heart Association Award of Excellence as well as its Outstanding Educator Award; the National Association for Financial Assistance to Minority Students' Outstanding Educator Award; Links, Inc. Western Area for Outstanding Services to Youth; Texas Southern University Award for Excellent Service; and the Community Service Award from the Top Ladies of Distinction. Williams is the wife of Attorney Connie B. Williams, and the proud mother of three sons, Brian, founder of Step Afrika, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping; Christopher, owner of Lucille's Hospitality Group, which includes nationally acclaimed restaurant Lucille's and its non-profit Lucille's 1913; and Benjamin, the co-owner of Highway Vodka, the country's first of its kind spirit crafted with hemp seed. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating! Special thanks to Vibrant Health for sponsoring this episode of Articulating! We're thrilled to share an exclusive 20% discount for our listeners. Use code ARTIC20 and take a step toward vibrant living!
Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by C Brian Williams, a step artist, producer, founder, and executive director of Step Afrika!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In honor of St. Patrick's Day on Sunday, it's time for some Villages-style festivities. The 2024 St. Patrick's Day festival will take at two squares this week over multiple days and you will not want to miss the resident parade on the holiday. We have those fun details for you, along with information about two on the square exercise events. On the entertainment front, Rick Springfield will be at The Sharon, along with Step Afrika! and a collection of local voices who will perform, Change the World songs of inspiration, love, and hope. There will also be multiple club art shows taking place around the community this weekend, and the spring polo season continues, as well. So stay up-to-date on your community right here!
This episode (S8:E18) we talk about the Step Afrika! dance performance at Cottey College. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lunchwithdoug/message
FTP Theater Hour: Gentry review, Step Afrika and Pickleville on Tour preview
Step Afrika! comes to Northrop Auditorium this Friday. The performance celebrates African culture while educating people about the history of stepping in America.
On today's episode of 'Conversations On Dance', we are joined by Jakari Sherman, director of 'Drumfolk', a production by Step Afrika! currently on tour across the United States. Jakari tells us about his introduction to stepping, a percussive, highly-energetic style of dance, how he came to discover, join and eventually lead Step Afrika, and what audiences can expect from the concept and storytelling of 'Drumfolk'. If you are in the Houston area, you can catch 'Drumfolk' at Performing Arts Houston this October 26th and 27th. Tickets are available at performingartshouston.org. LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceMerch: https://bit.ly/cod-merchYouTube: https://bit.ly/youtube-CODJoin our email list: https://bit.ly/mail-CODEmail us: info@conversationsondancepod.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Give us about ten minutes a day and we will give you all the local news, local sports, local weather, and local events you can handle. SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Solar Energy Services, Alpha Engineering and Scout & Molly's. Today... Wes Moore and Aruna Miler are official--and Oprah was here in Annapolis to let us all know she trusts Wes to lead the state capably! There's a cool woman-centric music festival coming to Maryland Hall. And buy some tickets to see Step AFRIKA at Maryland Hall and you are in a raffle to win a Masterclass and lunch--but do it by the 23rd. And the 17th Annual Soup Er Bowl is coming on the same day as the Super Bowl! Of course, we have some pod news and much more! Trevor from Annapolis Makerspace is here with your Maker Minute! And as usual, George from DCMDVA Weather is here with your local weather forecast! Please download theirapp to keep on top of the local weather scene! The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW) NOTE: For hearing impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis
C. Brian Williams talks about the art of stepping—defining and historicizing the art form and discussing its deep connection to African-American fraternities and sororities. (He learned to step when he was accepted into a fraternity at Howard University). He talks about the creation of Step Afrika! which began in 1994 as a dance festival in South Africa and grew into an education and performing arts organization and in now one of the top 10 U.S. Black dance companies, the company's commitment to education (all dancers are expected to be teaching artists) and its dedication to cultural exchange. He also discusses the company's commitment to bring the art form to as many people as possible and its creation of choreography that fits as easily in a school auditorium as it does on a Broadway stage. C. Brian Williams also discusses the significance of traditional arts globally and its ability to open a window into the soul of a nation. Join us online on November 17 when we premier the documentary called “Roots of American Culture” a celebration of the artistry of all the 2022 National Heritage Fellows. Check out our website arts.gov for more details. We'd love to know your thoughts--email us at artworkspod@arts.gov.
C. Brian Williams talks about the art of stepping—defining and historicizing the art form and discussing its deep connection to African-American fraternities and sororities. (He learned to step when he was accepted into a fraternity at Howard University). He talks about the creation of Step Afrika! which began in 1994 as a dance festival in South Africa and grew into an education and performing arts organization and in now one of the top 10 U.S. Black dance companies, the company's commitment to education (all dancers are expected to be teaching artists) and its dedication to cultural exchange. He also discusses the company's commitment to bring the art form to as many people as possible and its creation of choreography that fits as easily in a school auditorium as it does on a Broadway stage. C. Brian Williams also discusses the significance of traditional arts globally and its ability to open a window into the soul of a nation. Join us online on November 17 when we premier the documentary called “Roots of American Culture” a celebration of the artistry of all the 2022 National Heritage Fellows. Check out our website arts.gov for more details. We'd love to know your thoughts--email us at artworkspod@arts.gov.
Today on Boston Public Radio: We began the show by asking listeners for their thoughts on the death penalty, after a jury sentenced the Parkland school shooter to life in prison. Shirley Leung talked about her latest piece on Massachusetts Question 1 aka "the millionaire's tax," the return of the looming eviction wave, and the Boston Pops clarinet player who went on to make $100 milllion for Boston University through the stock market. Callie Crossley shared her thoughts on the Jan. 6 hearings, the new Little Mermaid movie, and the newest product from Kellogg: Eggo-Nog. Jared Bowen discussed an MFA's directors dealings with a dubious English art dealer, “My Obsession” at the Boston Ballet, Step Afrika!'s “Drumfolk,” and shared his thoughts on the movies “Tár” and “Hocus Pocus 2.” Regie Gibson joined us with his Atlas Soul Trio ahead of a pair of shows with the Boston Celebrity Series to talked about his love of language, and play a few songs.
3 - 23 - 22 NOT SO OBVIOUS SURVEY FOR STEP AFRIKA TICKETS by Maine's Coast 93.1
3 - 21 - 22 SLEEPING BADLY FOR STEP AFRIKA TIX by Maine's Coast 93.1
Brian McCollum joins on for episode #88 to discuss his experience with Step-Afrika, some of his favorite Hip-Hop, and more. Read Brian's full bio at https://www.seedsofpeace.org/team/bri... Then, check out all our adventures at https://linktr.ee/everybodyshiphop
C Brian Williams recalls that dap was always part of his life growing up in Houston, Texas. As an Alpha, he learned the sacred dap shared among frat brothers, and noticed similarities in greetings during travels throughout Africa. He also peeped a little boy in gigantic boots doing a dance that beautifully resembled stepping… Listen to our conversation about the birth of Step Afrika and the resolve you draw on when the bright lights unexpectedly go dark. TheDapProject.com @the.dap.project Twitter: https://twitter.com/StepAfrikaHQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stepafrika1994 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepafrika/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StepAfrikaInfo Website: www.stepafrika.org Hashtag: #StepAfrika
The Howard Alumni Movemakers Podcast hosted by Joshua Mercer
C. BRIAN WILLIAMS, Founder and Executive Director of Step Afrika!, is a graduate of Howard University and native of Houston, TX. After living in Southern Africa, Brian began to research the percussive dance tradition of stepping, exploring the many sides of this exciting, yet under-recognized American art form and founded Step Afrika! in 1994. Brian has performed, lectured and taught in Europe, South & Central America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean and throughout the United States. He is a founder of the historic Step Afrika! International Cultural Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Under Mr. Williams' leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America's cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe, and the Company now ranks as one of the top ten African-American dance companies in the world today. Step Afrika! is the largest African-American arts organization in Washington, DC and one of America's most celebrated and unique dance companies. Brian has been cited as a “Nation Builder” by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and “Minority Business Leader” by the Washington Business Journal. His work is prominently showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Brian is featured in Soulstepping, the first book to document the history of stepping, and several documentaries discussing the art form. Brian is a recipient of numerous awards including the Mayor's Arts Award for Innovation in the Arts and the Pola Nirenska Award for Contemporary Achievement in Dance. In 2018, Brian received the Mayor's Arts Award for Visionary Leadership from the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities. __________ THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY*** Follow On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howardalumni/ Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/howardalumni Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/howardalumni Subscribe to Newsletter: https://www.humovemakers.com/ Howard Homecoming: https://www.homecomingathoward.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/humovemakers/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/humovemakers/support
First, Courtney sits down for a convo with Step Afrika! founder, C. Brian Williams. How can predominantly white institutions (PWIs) better respond to and dismantle their own oppressive practices in order to rebuild their infrastructure? Well, that's one question and one approach. But Williams thinks he has a better idea and call to action: cultivating a strong ecology of arts organizations that are equitably represented in the field. Williams says of arts organizations across the nation that they must examine what deeply rooted historic structures have prevented growth towards equity and telling stories that decenter whiteness, and celebrate the successes and failures that are a part of the history of this country through art. What else do Courtney and C. Brian discuss? And why does C. Brian Williams make a key reference to Dolly Parton? You'll have to listen to this inspiring conversation to find out! Up next, we have Michael J. Bobbitt. Currently he is the Artistic Director of New Repertory Theatre, but he'll become executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council on February 1, 2021. In Courtney’s conversation with the well-known director, choreographer and playwright, the two longtime colleagues discuss the need for new approaches and strategies for embracing anti-racist practices in our nation's arts organizations. Simply put, Bobbitt suggests that, in order to do this, we must be co-conspirators and aim to disrupt and topple oppressive practices. To paraphrase a few of the points made in this conversation, Courtney and Michael talk about oppressive power structures in predominantly white cultural institutions and how power is at the very root of systemic oppression and racism. One of the most poignant statements Michael makes is this: without relinquishing or redistributing their power, white individuals in positions of influence will keep racism alive and thriving.
Aneesia is a Dancer, Choreographer and Director who was introduced to me by Kristie King after viewing her powerful video to Tobe Nwigwe's ""Make it Home". After speaking with her I was enlightened and inspired. She has worked with established teams such as Step Afrika traveling the world as a US Cultural Ambassador, Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad to name a few. Listen in as she talks about her path in Afrikan Dance, lessons learned as a choreographer and director and her next steps!! Link in Bio!!
Deatrice Clark, a full-time choreographer and body percussionist, sat with us for a Harmonic Heart Interview on 7/14/2020. She shares highlights of her career as a step dancer, how her passion for teaching developed, upcoming opportunities to participate in her classes, and more.Keep up with Deatrice at:http://figureitoutsis.com/https://www.instagram.com/figureitoutsis/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcpvuNhBlk_LBrubFwyzevADeatrice Clark Bio:As a creative Deatrice Jeanette Clark has an obligation to share her talents with the world. Being a choreographer and body percussionist, she lives to inspire and motivate people to see their light and use it accordingly. Deatrice was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received her B.S. in Human Development from the School of Education at Howard University. Her commitment to her craft has led her to become an international touring and teaching artist, connecting with people from all across the world, including: Montreal, Canada, Manama, Bahrain, Amman, Jordan, Koprivnica, Croatia, Lusaka, Zambia, Luanda, Angola, and Johannesburg, South Africa. She has been able to share her talents with people of all ages, as well as individuals who are disabled. Deatrice began stepping with the Quad Step Team during her freshman year at Howard University. She organized the QuaDrew Step Team and led them in many showcases. Deatrice is passionate about teaching and arts education. She has taught various step classes, camps and residencies around the D.C., MD and VA area for various notable organizations such as Joy of Motion Dance Center. Deatrice is currently a full time professional dancer and on her 4th season with one of the top ten African American dance companies, Step Afrika!Stay connected with Harmonic Heart:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCruA_T8kDgolElZhDk3gDlQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonicheartblog/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonicHeartBlogTwitter: https://twitter.com/harmonichearttvTik Tok: https://vm.tiktok.com/veWwrL/Learn more about Chris Mallett:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gSKALhg824qNSvkP1HQ6WYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkUJIuWM_vuY17caX6Qm3dwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismallettmusic See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Step Afrika! founder and executive director C. Brian Williams holds forth on the tradition of stepping, a dance form that uses the body as an instrument.
On this episode of Protégé Podcast Presents: #BlackManBrilliance, I have the distinct honor of talking with artistic visionary C. Brian Williams, the founder of Step Afrika! As he prepares for his 10 city tour of Drumfolk, Brian talks about how he blends African and African-American cultural elements into an innovative new art form. We talk about the opportunities for a reverse migration to Africa and why the continent holds endless possibilities for culture creators and entrepreneurs alike.
Step Afrika is tonight 12/4 you can purchase tickets at the door! The Set Christmas Edition is Saturday 12/8 and to the First and Coldest Happy Founders Day to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Greg and Jason share stories on their Alpha Journey
Quanice predicted this episode theme before we even recorded…her spirit was right! Join Joshua and Quanice as they explore what it actually means to have a true commitment to DEI and decolonization in the arts as they speak Step Afrika!’s Founder and Executive Director C. Brian Williams. It’s all about taking risks, boo. #TakeARisk #Apololying #ApologizeLater #WhiteMen Washingtonian's 'I Am Not A Tourist' Campaign Stirs Controversy for Lacking Diversity: http://wjla.com/news/local/washingtonians-i-am-not-a-tourist-campaign-stirs-controversy-for-lacking-diversity Baltimore Museum of Art Earns Millions from Auction of Works by Andy Warhol, Other Masters: http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bs-fe-bma-auction-20180517-story.html Step Afrika's The Migration: Reflections of Jacob Lawrence - http://www.stepafrika.org/performances/the-migration/ Follow us on social media!Facebook: Art Accordingly PodcastTwitter: @ArtAccordingly
Step Afrika! artists stop by the University of Iowa Dance Department for a Q&A sponsored by the Undergraduate Dance Organization. They chat about making it as full-time artists, teaching stepping all around the world, and their upcoming Hancher performance of "The Migration: Reflections of Jacob Lawrence".
In this episode, we start off with a Steve Martin and Martin Short post show recap with Hancher's Graphic Design Director Zoë Woodworth. Next we discuss an upcoming visit by area 8th graders for a performance of Step Afrika! with Any Given Child Coordinator Debbie Yarrow. To close we chat with Ryan Oliveira, playwright and Visiting Assistant Professor, about trends in musical theatre.
Were you that young cousin in your family who didn’t take dance lessons? I was. No tap shoes. No leotards. No teased, glitter-laden or overly gelled hair. Instead of practicing for recitals, I satisfied my hunger to leap and pivot by desperately trying to emulate the synchronized moves of Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. And then an infamous episode of “Different World” aired and I was captivated by a form of dance foreign to me, but so familiar to the fictional college students I had come to admire. Who knew that during my cultural awakening, a young Howard University grad - newly returned from a time in Africa - was rigorously researching the history of this very art form for an amazing undertaking. Ahead of the organization’s VIP Gala: Step Afrika! After Dark on Thursday, June 9, 2016, I talked with Williams about his 20-plus year journey starting, building and managing this successful not-for-profit dance company and arts education institution. Dance l Stepping l Africa l Arts Education l Step Afrika! Produced by Audrey Adams.
Special guests are Keith Terry and his dance partner Evie Ladin, who will speak about the "Second Annual International Body Music Festival," December 1-6, 2009. If you have ever gone on an obsessive search of a sound or song whose name and origin you didn't know, you might relate to Keith Terry, the director of the International Body Music Festival, which returns for its second year to the San Francisco Bay Area early December in multiple Bay Area venues. In fact, Keith's obsession runs so deep that last year he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, the first to go to a body musician, someone who makes music purely with their body. This year the Festival director has tracked down human beatboxers, a flamenco duo, a highly rhythmic Cuban a capella group, Peruvian zapateo, and a sound Terry has heard for years and will spotlight. The festival also features Kenny Muhammad, a.k.a. The Human Orchestra, is known for emphasizing complex polyrhythms, non-percussive sounds, and a breathing “wind technique.” The beatboxer will share a bill with Cuba's Vocal Sampling on Dec. 5, at the Freight & Savage in Berkeley, CA. The six-man ensemble from Havana will be among the first wave of Cuban artists to tour the U.S. since a performance embargo took effect in the wake of the Buena Vista Social Club. Max Pollak, a soloist, performs what he calls RumbaTap, a form that combines foot-driven percussion with the organic flow of Afro-Cuban rumba; Rashidi Omari, a young Bay Area dancer who specializes in hip-hop contemporary dance, an expression derived from local Oakland culture marked by high energy and a frenetic pace. The Prescott Clowns, an Oakland youth performance group led by hambone artist Derique McGee, along with a student performance group from the San Francisco School, led by Sofia Ibor Lopez perform. Step Afrika! stepping, gumboot, out of Washington, DC, performs Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 PM at the Herbst Theatre, in San Francisco. Visit http://www.crosspulse.com/html/aboutkt.html