The 1739 Stono Rebellion was the largest uprising of enslaved people during British colonial rule in North America, but has been virtually ignored save for a few documentaries and passing references in textbooks. Step Afrika!, a nonprofit dance company based in D.C. and focused on step dancing, brings the story to life with Stono, a feature-length performance that will premiere virtually on Sept. 9, the rebellion’s 281st anniversary. Step Afrika! celebrates the Stono Rebellion as one of the first cries for true liberty from colonial rule in North America, predating the American Revolution by 36 years. Step Afrika! takes a deeper look at the impact of the Stono Rebellion, especially its role in African American music, culture, and dance.
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