Step Afrika!’s The Migration
Co-presented by Step Afrika! and IMG Artists
Step Afrika!, the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping, brings its production of ‘The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence’, an innovative fusion of dance, history, and visual art that transforms the stage into a living canvas. Drawing inspiration from Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series (1940–41)—the iconic 60-panel collection divided between the Museum of Modern Art here in New York City and The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC—this critically acclaimed performance captures the resilience, hope, and determination of millions of African Americans who journeyed northward in search of freedom and opportunity. Through pulsating rhythms, percussive footwork, and stunning imagery, Step Afrika! honors the legacy of a people and a painter—bringing to life a story that is both deeply personal and profoundly American.
Meet the Creative Team
C. BRIAN WILLIAMS (Founder and Executive Producer) is a native of Houston, Texas, and a graduate of Howard University. Brian first learned to step as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Beta Chapter, in the Spring of 1989. While living in Southern Africa, he 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. Williams has performed, lectured, and taught in Europe, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. Through Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s newest cultural exports and inspired the designation of Step Afrika! as Washington, DC’s official “Cultural Ambassador.”
In 2022, the National Endowment of the Arts designated Williams as a National Heritage Fellow, the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. He is the recipient of numerous Artist Fellowships; the World Alive! Distinguished Artist Award by Arts Emerson; the Mayor’s Arts Award for Visionary Leadership from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Distinguished Arts Award from the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts; and the Pola Nirenska Award for Contemporary Achievement in Dance. He is also featured in Soulstepping, the first book to document the history of stepping. He also earned the Mayor’s Art Award for Innovation in the Arts and has led the company to multiple Metro DC Dance Awards for “Outstanding New Work,” “Excellence in Stage Design/Multimedia,” and “Outstanding Group Performance.” Williams has been cited as a “civic/community visionary” by NV Magazine, a “nation builder” by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and a “minority business leader” by the Washington Business Journal. His work is featured prominently at the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
LAMAR LOVELACE (Executive Director) drives the organization’s strategy and operations, leads its staff and programs, and advances its mission. Working closely with Step Afrika!’s Board of Directors, he directs fundraising, marketing, operations, and long-range planning for the organization. Throughout ten seasons with Step Afrika!, Lamar has transformed the organization’s reach and sustainability. Under his leadership, the Company secured the largest gifts in its history, recorded consistent revenue growth, and dramatically expanded its national and international profile. He managed multi-million-dollar budgets and launched initiatives that strengthened international partnerships in South Africa.
Before joining Step Afrika!, Lamar led teams at Columbia University and Broward College in arts management and community engagement. Lamar earned master’s degrees in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University and Oral History from Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
MFONISO AKPAN (Artistic Director) has trained extensively in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, African dance, and step. While attending the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she majored in biochemistry and cultivated her stepping skills as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mfon began her training at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Apollo Theater, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Lincoln Center. Mfon toured with the off-Broadway show Hoofin’ 2 Hittin, where she was a featured stepper and dancer.
JAKARI SHERMAN (Director, The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence and Projection Designer) is a passionate choreographer, ethnochoreologist, and performer whose experience extends over 20 years. Rooted in the African American tradition of stepping, his work pushes the boundaries of percussive dance using technology, storytelling, and diverse musical scores. Jakari served as Step Afrika!’s Artistic Director for seven years. He directed Drumfolk, Green is the New Black, and Symphony in Step, among others. Jakari received an M.A. in Ethnochoreology from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and is undertaking groundbreaking ethnographic work related to structural analysis, teaching methodologies, and historical archiving of stepping in the U.S. Jakari has lectured on stepping throughout the world, including Greece, Kazakhstan, the U.K., and Belgium.
MARIANNE MEADOWS* (Lighting Designer, Production Manager, and Stage Manager) is a member of United Scenic Artists local 829 with a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, MFA from the University of Washington, with additional training at Lester Polakovs’ Studio and Forum of Stage Design, NYC
HARLEN PENN, Original Scenic Design
KENANN QUANDER, Original Costume Design
PATRICK CALHOUN*, Original Sound Design & Sound Engineer
KASEY PRICE, Assistant Sound Engineer
MELANIE SCRANTON, Wardrobe
DANA FANG, Wardrobe Assistant
*Member of the United Scenic Artists Local USA 829
Meet the Cast
NYA CHRISTIAN is a native of Cleveland, OH, and holds a BA in Political Science with minors in Sociology and Dance Arts from Howard University. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she served as Parliamentarian, Step Mistress, and Stroll Captain of the Alpha Chapter. Nya has choreographed for the White House Initiative on HBCUs and Howard University’s 2022 Homecoming Step Show. She performed on Good Morning America during the Black History Month segment “The Story of 9 Historically Black Fraternities and Sororities.” This is Nya’s third season with the Company.
ARIEL DYKES is a native of Gainesville, FL, with an Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre from Santa Fe College and a BFA in Dance from the University of Florida. She was introduced to stepping and strolling as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she choreographed routines for her chapter and UF’s National Panhellenic Council. Ariel has trained in ballet, jazz, West African, traditional, and post-modern dance, as well as voice and acting. She has worked with notable artists including Nathaniel Hunt, Samantha Barriento, Scott Coulter, and Smokey Norful. This is Ariel’s fourth season with the Company.
JORDIN GREENE is a DMV native and graduate of Howard University, where she earned her BFA in Theatre Arts and Dance from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. She is a company artist with SOLE Defined, touring nationally to venues including Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center. Jordin has performed works by Darrell Moultrie, Hope Boykin, Tommie Waheed, Janice Rosario, Royce Zackery, and Brian Flynn of ROULET Dance Company. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had thus far and looks forward to a bright future in theatre and dance.
KAMALA HARGROVE is a native of the Bronx, NY, with a BA in Mathematics, Theater, and Dance from Trinity College. Kamala studied at The Ailey School and Dance Theatre of Harlem and has appeared in various music videos and live performances. She has performed with artists including Estelle, Mr. Vegas, Wizkid, and French Montana. Kamala has also worked as a Teaching Artist in New York City, instructing elementary, middle, and high school students.
SHAQ HESTER is a Jersey-born, Brooklyn-based singer, actor, and producer whose work blends neo-soul, funk, and gospel. He most recently appeared as Pharus Jonathan Young in Choir Boy at The Ensemble Theatre and originated the role of Fritz Etienne in More Than Anything at The Apollo’s Jonelle Procope Theater. Additional credits include Deep Blue Sea, The Color Purple, Purlie, The Preacher’s Wife, Ada & the Engine, and Antigone in Ferguson. He has also appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series and is a graduate of Indiana University.
DIRON HOLLOWAY is a native of Miami, FL, and serves as Associate Professor of Saxophone and Clarinet and Coordinator of Woodwind Studies at Virginia State University. He earned degrees from Florida A&M University and Northern Illinois University and received an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School as a member of its inaugural Jazz Studies class. An accomplished performer and educator, Diron has toured internationally and recorded with the New Vision Saxophone Quartet and the Nat Adderley, Jr. Quintet. He is a Conn-Selmer Regional Artist.
JEREMY KELSEY is a native of Nashville, TN, and a Brooklyn-based vocalist and performer. His work spans musical theatre, cruise ship entertainment, corporate events, and solo performances throughout New York City and abroad. Known for his versatility and dynamic stage presence, Jeremy has established himself as a sought-after artist across a variety of musical settings and continues to bring his passion for performance to audiences around the world.
TERRENCE JOHNSON is a native of Broward County, FL, and holds a BA in General Studies from the University of Central Florida. He has over a decade of stepping experience, serving as a founding member of Hazard Step Team in Orlando, FL, and previously performing with the Adimu Men of Excellence, Inc. Step Team. In 2015, he was inducted into the UCF Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc. Terrence began his journey with Step Afrika! in 2023 as a guest artist and now enters his third season with the Company as a full-time artist.
ZONYA LOVE is an acclaimed actress and vocalist whose career spans Broadway, regional theater, and international stages. She made her Broadway debut as Celie in The Color Purple and has since appeared as Flo in Gun & Powder at Paper Mill Playhouse, Bessie Smith in The Devil’s Music at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act at Broadway at Music Circus. Zonya is thrilled to join Step Afrika! for its New York engagement of The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.
AGYEI KEITA EDWARDS is a professional drummer, percussionist, choreographer, and performer whose career began at the age of three. With more than two decades of experience in West African percussion, he has performed on stages including BAM and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. Agyei has appeared alongside artists such as Sheila E. and performed with Busta Rhymes at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. He serves as co-Musical Director of Farafina Kan and coaches performers through his enterprise, Top Notch Training Facility. He is a graduate of Frostburg State University.
CONRAD R. KELLY II (Assistant Artistic Director) is a native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, who studied Criminal Justice at Florida A&M University. During his time at FAMU, he performed with the Marching 100 and The Strikers. Conrad later became a soloist for The Rolle Project in Las Vegas and taught hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz at Studio 305. A two-time recipient of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ prestigious Arts and Humanities Fellowship Program, Conrad is a long-standing member of the Company, currently serves as Step Afrika!’s Assistant Artistic Director, and recently choreographed The Movement. This is Conrad’s ninth season with the Company.
JAYDEN KING is a native of Miami, FL, and a graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy. She has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and hip hop. Jayden is a former member of Mahogany Dance Theatre under the direction of Shepiro Hardemon, where she served as Assistant Rehearsal Director, Rehearsal Director, and President. She has performed works by Conrad Kelly, Tyrelle Rolle, Christopher Huggins, Clarence Jones, and Allyne Gartrell, and trained with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem through summer intensives. This is Jayden’s first season with the Company.
LIONEL D. LYLES II, born in Boulder, Colorado, graduated from Morgan State University with a degree in music education and later earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from North Carolina Central University. He founded The Lionel Lyles Quintet, which has released three albums. Lionel received multiple honors from the Washington City Paper’s JAZZY Awards and currently serves as Director of Jazz at Morgan State University, where he continues to perform, teach, and inspire through his dedication to jazz and education.
JEMEEMA S. MONTROSE is a native of Brooklyn, NY. She attended ASA College, where she studied Health Information Technology. Jemeema is a proud member of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Incorporated, and has served as the Chair Facilitator of the National Step and Stroll Committee. She has led performances on numerous college campuses across the country, and Jemeema has also served as a step coach for middle and high school students. This is Jemeema’s second season with the Company.
ABDOU MUHAMMAD, a Washington, D.C., native, began studying West African drumming at the age of two. Known by the stage name “CleanHandz,” he is a dedicated ethnomusicologist committed to preserving music within its cultural context. Abdou has collaborated with numerous African dance companies in the DMV area and performed at venues including BAM, The Kennedy Center, Howard University, and universities and museums nationwide. As the founder of Takes a Village Learning Services, Abdou continues to share his knowledge and skills with learners around the world.
ISAIAH O’CONNOR is a native of Miami, FL, with a BS in Biology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. A student of hip-hop, modern, and urban soul, Isaiah has previously stepped with the Strikers Dance Troupe under the direction of Shepiro Hardemon. This is Isaiah’s fourth season with the Company.
KEANU POWELL is a native of Decatur, GA, with a BBA in Management from Howard University. While at Howard, Keanu became an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., serving as 2nd Vice President and Step Master. He is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., through the Eta Omega Chapter, and served as Drum Major for the 2021-2023 seasons. Keanu was prominently featured on Good Morning America, representing Howard University. He has also performed nationally with Howard’s band at major events, including Nike Headquarters and the inaugural NBA HBCU Classic. This is Keanu’s second season with the Company.
ERICKA STILL is a native of St. Petersburg, FL, and holds a BS in Health Science, Pre-Occupational Therapy, with a minor in Rehabilitation Management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She previously stepped with AKAdemy Exquisite Gems and trained under Paulette W. Johnson at SADA and Shepiro Hardemon as a member and Co-Assistant Artistic Director of Mahogany Dance Theatre. This is Ericka’s fourth season with the Company.
GAYLE TURNER has enjoyed a performance career spanning more than four decades. She is a member of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Inspirational Voices gospel choir and made her Broadway debut in the original cast of The Wiz, where she served as the understudy for Stephanie Mills in the role of Dorothy. Gayle remained with the production for three years and continues to share her artistry with audiences through music and performance.
JOSEPH VASQUEZ hails from Guttenberg, NJ, and has received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. In college, Joseph danced with the Rutgers Bachata Performance Team, where he choreographed and led the team for four years. He is a member of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Incorporated, the first Latin fraternity to step and stroll, and The Revels Stroll Team, where he was led by former team captains Francisco Pozo and Carlos Zapata. This is Joseph’s fourth season with the Company.
PELHAM WARNER JR. is a native of the Bronx, NY, and has a BA from Dutchess Community College. Pelham is a member of The Order of the Feather Fraternity, where he served as the team’s Step Master and captain for five years, and has previously danced with The Players Club Steppers. Pelham has worked as a dance instructor in the greater New York City area and recently performed in the a cappella musical The Movement by Kathy D. Harrison at The National Black Theater Festival. This is Pelham’s seventh year with the Company.
ROBERT WARNSLEY is a native of Chicago, IL, with a BS in Information Technology from Illinois State University. A member of the Eta Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Robert served as the step and stroll master for four years and has organized, competed in, and placed first in numerous step shows. He partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where he routinely taught students how to step, and he actively participates in community service projects in Chicago. Robert also studies, practices, and teaches dancehall and various Afro styles in the Chicagoland, DMV, and NYC areas. This is Robert’s seventh season with the Company.