#MaskItUp Community Initiative
We believe that we have a shared responsibility to keep our community safe. In the United States, over 250,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19. Wearing a mask is one of the ways we can protect ourselves and each other. For over 25 years, Step Afrika! has stepped on stages around the world and now we’re stepping on our virtual stage and in our community, with a powerful, relevant message: #MASKITUP
WATCH & SHARE #MaskItUp
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Facebook | YouTube
#MaskItUp combines the African American art form of stepping and Go-Go, the official music of Washington, DC to amplify this critical public health message.
Filmed in our hometown of Washington, DC the video features our favorite landmarks including Chuck Brown Memorial Park in NE, the Atlas Performing Arts Center in NE, the Big Chair in SE, the Wharf in SW and the legendary home of the #DontMuteDC movement the Metro PCS Store on Florida and 7th Street NW!
In addition to the creation and production of the #MaskItUp video, Step Afrika! will also distribute vital PPE kits to 1,000 families within the Washington, DC community. #MaskItUp is sponsored by a DC HOPE Grant through the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser.
#MASKITUP FILM CREDITS
Filmed and Edited by Ajah Smith
Lyrics by Jeeda Barrington
Choreography by Jakari Sherman and Jeeda Barrington
Featuring the Artists of Step Afrika!
Emerald Holman
Conrad R. Kelly II
Misha Michel
Ronnique Murray
Dustin Praylow
Ajah Smith
Valencia Springer
Jordan Spry
Nicolas Stewart
Pelham Warner, Jr.
Robert Warnsley
Jeeda Barrington
Percussion by Kofi Agyei, Jeeda Barrington, Conrad Kelly, Ajah Smith and Valencia Springer
Costumes by Mfoniso Akpan and Jordan Spry
Sound Engineering by Gustavo Trejo, Sole DidIt and Jeeda Barrington
Produced by C. Brian Williams and Mfoniso Akpan
Special thanks to Dr. Yolandra Hancock (Dr. Yola) for her counsel and partnership for this campaign. Visit askdryola.com for first-hand information about COVID-19 and ways to keep your family safe.
Special thanks to Highway 160 Proof (an African-American owned and produced hand sanitizer based in Houston, TX) and Joe’s Movement Emporium (for providing a safe space in which to rehearse and create during these challenging times).
Dr. Yolandra Hancock (Dr. Yola) is a mom, physician, and public health shero who combines her hands-on clinical experience and public health expertise with her passion for building vibrant communities to provide patient-empowered “best in class” care.
Visit askdryola.com for first-hand information about COVID-19 and ways to keep your family safe.
Over 55 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide and in our region (Washington, DC – Maryland and Virginia) over 200,000 cases have been reported. The impact of COVID-19 has been daunting, but we are resilient and we can fight this dangerous illness together.
Please wear a mask or face covering to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you need a test, get tested, DC! It’s free. It’s simple. It’s quick.
For helpful resources, provided by Washington, DC, visit: coronavirus.dc.gov.
For Washington, DC testing COVID-19 information visit: coronavirus.dc.gov/testing
For national COVID-19 resources, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019