Thank you for attending Step Afrika!’s 30th Anniversary Gala on 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 supported Step Afrika!’s upcoming 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.

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.

2024 ORDER OF FESTIVITIES

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

 

TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR STEP AFRIKA!’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING AGAIN WITH YOU NEXT YEAR!

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 WAS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

PRODUCER
Amazon, Ann Belkov and Jerry Lewis, Reginald Brown and Tiffeny Sanchez, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, John W. Hill and Family, PEPCO, Washington Gas, Safeway

DIRECTOR
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Events DC, Lapine Group, The Menkiti Group & Keller Williams Capital Properties, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, Troy Patterson, Pohanka, Sodexo, Verizon, C. Brian Williams, Connie and Patricia Williams

HEADLINER
Dyonicia “Dy” Brown, David and Monique Canada, DC Water, Jeffery D. Kennerly and Erica A. Green, N. William & Daphne Jarvis, Steve and Kym Taylor, Dr. Benjamin and Mrs. Natasha Watkins

PERFORMER
Jacquelyn Alton, Council Member Wala Blegay, Esq., Deante Chisley, David Catania, Jacqui Francis, Kaya Henderson, Katherine Kane, John C. Kelley, Mehari Sequar Gallery, Janel Merritt, Christopher Montgomery, Connie Perez, Damon Porter, Maria and Greg Rooney, Glenn E Singleton, Stonebridge, Ayo Tometi, Melanie Trottman, Nicole Venable, Conrad Woody

Special thanks to our generous in-kind sponsors; Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, Uncle Nearest, and Tito’s

PATRON
Ashley Adams, Shelagh Bocoum, Lauren Davidson, Ronnyka Fitzpatrick, Henry Miller, Daria Neal, Heather Joy Thompson, Esq.

DONOR
Lawrence Bancroft, Anna Barcus, Morris Clarke, Francis & Julia Creighton, Grant Crusor, Arnita Curtis, Michelle & Tim Gillis, Corey Arnaz Griffin, La’Wana Harris, Inc., Dr. Erin L. Henry, Barbara B. Lang, Kirsten Ledford, Melb Lucas, Genia Morgan, Michelle Miller-Morial, Phillip Murray, Mark Raaberg, Jaret Riddick, John Rizzo, Joan Spirytus, Sara Stolmeier, Averi Thomas-Moore, Heather Joy Thompson, Esq., Tycely Williams

THIS DONOR AND SPONSORSHIP LIST AS OF JUNE 4, 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!”

 

The Wave

The Wave is the ultimate variety dance and party band and, as their name suggests, with a contemporary edge! Brandon, the main male lead singer, competed on NBC’s The Voice and got three of four judges to turn their chairs around; Adam Levine, Miley Cyrus, and Jennifer Hudson! Bridget, the female lead singer, performed several times with John Legend on ABC’s Duets. She also toured internationally and sang in the film, The Sin Seer.

 

TAMEKAHARRISLIVE

TAMEKAHARRISLIVE, known offstage as Tameka J. Harris, has been a shining star in the entertainment realm for over four dynamic decades, and her journey shows no signs of slowing down. A versatile artist with a myriad of talents, Tameka captivates audiences with her genuine charisma and unwavering integrity. Rooted in her deep faith in God, she is driven by a desire to use her platform for meaningful, positive impact. With a seamless fusion of professionalism, intellect, and boundless energy, Tameka is on a mission to redefine the entertainment industry. Her unique contributions breathe new life into every performance, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing her artistry.