African American culture takes the stage at UMW Step Show

by ADAM BRITTON

Staff Writer

The Step Show at the University of Mary Washington is a cherished tradition that has been fostering community and cultural appreciation for over three decades. 

This annual event is held as part of Black History Month and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, culture and connection. This annual event is organized by the James Farmer Multicultural Center and serves as a vibrant celebration of African-American culture and a testament to the power of unity. 

“It is an electrifying dynamic program, for the campus community, and even for the broader community to, to come in and be mesmerized, be captivated by it, and then just want to engage in it themselves,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of the JFMC Marion Sanford.

The event celebrates cultural heritage and provides a platform for students and the Fredericksburg community to witness and appreciate the art of stepping. Sanford highlights that the event was envisioned by the original director of the JFMC, the late Forrest Parker, 34 years ago. This vision has been carried forward, making the Step Show one of the longest-standing traditions at UMW. 

“It’s a really big part of what it means to be an African-American and the celebration that comes with just being us,” said Quintessa Gaines, a senior political science major and the president of Women of Color. “It’s really important that everything goes as good as it can, but more than anything like that aspect of family and community and all that good stuff.”

The Step Show is an educational opportunity that introduces students to this vibrant cultural expression and fosters a greater appreciation for diversity. By bringing together students, staff and faculty, the event creates a shared experience that strengthens the sense of community on campus. 

“Look for those opportunities to participate in step activities—whether here or in the communities,” said Sanford. “Hopefully, this will inspire students to want to create that step team again so that we can be able to witness that experience.”

Many of the performers are alumni or members of local step teams who bring their experience and passion to the stage. This connection with the broader community not only enhances the quality of the performances but also strengthens the ties between UMW and the surrounding area.

Despite its success, the Step Show faces challenges. One of the primary issues is the lack of a dedicated step team at UMW. 

“We did have a step team and after covid, it hasn’t picked back up, but I feel like our step team here was more enticing for other groups to come here because they knew we had a step team,” said Gaines. 

The absence of a step team makes it harder to attract outside performers and to maintain the continuity of the event. 

“Now that we don’t have one, it’s a little bit harder for them to kind of understand where we’re coming from,” Gaines said. “If our old steps team could pick back up, I feel like that would bring more of the community members out for sure.”

However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. Reviving the step team could significantly enhance the Step Show and increase its appeal to both the university and the broader community, according to some of the event’s organizers. 

“That just brought the students in even more because their friends will come and support them and watch them, and they’ll bring some of them, then they bring their brothers and sisters, and then other community members come in,” said Assistant Director for Multicultural Student Affairs and the JFMC Chris Williams. 

The success of the Step Show is a result of meticulous planning and execution. Sanford explains that the planning process begins well in advance, with student organizations taking the lead in coordinating the event. 

“Being able to identify and reach out to a number of different groups who perform step and invite them to come and participate here,” Sanford said. “It takes a lot of dedication and time, and these student leaders have been doing wonderfully. Preparing for this event, getting the word out, announcing it and then just making sure we can have this event.”

Looking to the future, Sanford, Williams, Women of Color and the Black Student Association are committed to maintaining the Step Show’s legacy while also seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. 

“The standard of programming that we do and try to make sure we continue to offer each year, that’s what inspires us each year to offer this program,” said Sanford. 

One of the primary goals of the Step Show is to increase awareness and education about the cultural significance of stepping. By fostering a greater understanding of this tradition, the Committee for Step Show hopes to attract more participants and spectators from both the university and the broader community. 

“It might not be the best show, but we’ll give you the best energy we got,” said Gaines. “You have to give us something. We want to hear y’all sing. We want to see y’all dance and want to hear you shout.”

Gaines and Leah Reaves, a senior political science major and president of the Black Student Association, hope to establish stronger connections with step teams and Divine Nine organizations across the country. By reaching out to these groups well in advance, they can ensure a diverse and dynamic lineup of performers. They foresee this proactive approach would help elevate the Step Show and make it an even more significant event on the UMW calendar.

“Join Women of color, Join black Student Association,” said Reaves. “They’re not specific to Black people or women. Everyone needs community, especially in college. Always a good time. Always someone to talk to someone to hang out with. The James Farmer Multicultural Center, the people there are fantastic, Dr. Sanford and Dr Williams, they are great leaders.”