Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala will take place June 4, 2024 at Arena Stage

Step Afrika! harnesses the tradition of stepping as a tool for cultural awareness, youth engagement, and audience-centric entertainment in the United States and abroad. Sponsorship of the 30th Anniversary Gala will support Step Afrika!’s two-week tour of South Africa in August 2024. Celebrating the Company’s milestone and South Africa’s 30th independence anniversary, the primary focus will be artistic collaboration, workshops, and performances in Soweto, Johannesburg, where Step Afrika!’s International Cultural Festival began in December 1994.

Announcing Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala Chair: Brandon Todd

Brandon Todd serves as Sr. Director of Corporate Public Policy for Washington Gas (WGL). Brandon leads the government affairs and public policy group, collaborating with senior leadership to shape and manage policy positions. With six years prior experience on the Council of the District of Columbia representing Ward 4, Brandon brings extensive expertise in political management, public policy, and government affairs. With over 13 years of experience in D.C. Government, he is an accomplished community leader serving on various boards, including the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Step Afrika!, and The University of District Columbia Foundation Board.

ORDER OF FESTIVITIES

6 PM: VIP Cocktail Reception
7 PM: Program & Performances
8 PM: Dinner, Dessert, & Rooftop Cocktails

Summary of Sponsorship and Ticket Opportunities

Executive Producer: $25,000
This sponsorship level includes 20 tickets to Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala, 8 tickets to the upcoming run of The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, a 2-page commemorative ad in the Gala program, recognition on high-visibility Gala signage and projections, access to the VIP Rooftop Experience, and featured recognition on all Gala promotional materials.

Producer: $10,000
This sponsorship level includes 10 tickets to Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala, 6 tickets to the upcoming run of The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, a 1-page commemorative ad in the Gala program, recognition on high-visibility Gala signage and projections, access to the VIP Rooftop Experience, and featured recognition on all Gala promotional materials.

Director: $5,000
This sponsorship level includes 6 tickets to Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala, 4 tickets to the upcoming run of The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, a half-page commemorative ad in the Gala program, recognition on high-visibility Gala signage and projections, access to the VIP Rooftop Experience, and featured recognition on all Gala promotional materials.

Headliner: $3,000
This sponsorship level includes 4 tickets to Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala, 2 tickets to the upcoming run of The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, a special acknowledgment in the Gala program, and featured recognition on all Gala promotional materials.

Performer: $1,000
This sponsorship level includes 2 tickets to Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala, a special acknowledgment in the Gala program, and featured recognition on all Gala promotional materials.

Patron: $500 – ticket only


STEP AFRIKA!’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

Executive Producer

Producer
Amazon
Ann Belkov and Jerry Lewis
Reginald Brown and Tiffeny Sanchez
John W. Hill
PEPCO
Washington Gas
Safeway

Director
Lapine Group
Troy Patterson
C. Brian Williams
Connie and Patricia Williams

Headliner
Dyonicia “Dy” Brown
David and Monique Canada
Jeffery D. Kennerly and Erica A. Green
Steve and Kym Taylor
Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin O. Watkins III

Performer
Janel Merritt
Maria and Greg Rooney
Glenn Singleton
Melanie Trottman
Nicole Venable

THIS DONOR AND SPONSORSHIP LIST AS OF APRIL 1, 2024

Special Guests

Smokie Norful

Renowned recording artist, educator, author, and visionary pastor, Smokie Norful has left an indelible mark in the realms of music and education over his illustrious two-decade career. With over 25 years of experience, Norful’s musical prowess has led to five Number 1 Billboard albums and over 4 million albums sold globally, earning him prestigious accolades including 2 Grammy Awards, 11 Stellar Awards, 5 Dove Awards, 1 Soul Train Music Award, 2 NAACP Image Award nominations, and 3 BET Award nominations. As a Pastor for over 18 years, Norful’s profound influence extends beyond his musical achievements, as he’s also celebrated for his spiritual guidance and dedication to his community. Additionally, he’s recognized as an accomplished author and dedicated educator. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., his commitment to community impact and social engagement reflects his ethos of service and compassion.

DJ Tanz

DJ Tanz began his DJ career 30 years ago on the campus of Virginia Tech University. Since then DJ Tanz has performed at events all over the country, including The NAACP Convention, Capital Jazz Super Cruise, BET Honors, CIAA, Associated Black Charities, and a multitude of festivals and events. DJ Tanz has also hosted a national weekly show on Sirius FM and various mix-shows on Baltimore’s 92Q and Magic 95.9 radio stations. Seeing people have a great time that drives DJ Tanz. He is known to play a wide variety of music seamlessly in each of his sets, ensuring that everyone will want to move. That’s his motto… “You Will Dance!”