On February 7, 2026, the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) presented Step Afrika! Founder and Executive Producer C. Brian Williams with the Jeraldyne Blunden Local Innovators Award during the organization’s annual conference and festival in Atlanta, GA. The award recognizes Step Afrika!’s leadership, innovation, and lasting contributions to the field of dance and the performing arts.
Presented as part of IABD’s Awards Celebration Gala, the honor acknowledges organizations whose artistry, service, and commitment have made a meaningful impact on the Black dance community and beyond. In its official letter, IABD recognized Step Afrika!’s role in advancing the art form of stepping and its continued dedication to sharing this cultural tradition with audiences around the world.
Step Afrika! is deeply grateful to IABD for this recognition and proud to stand among the artists and organizations shaping the future of Black dance. This honor reflects the Company’s ongoing mission to celebrate, preserve, and innovate within the tradition of stepping for generations to come.