IABD Honors Step Afrika! with the Jeraldyne Blunden Local Innovators Award

On February 7, 2026, the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) presented Step Afrika! Founder and Executive Producer C. Brian Williams with the Jeraldyne Blunden Local Innovators Award during the organization’s annual conference and festival in Atlanta, GA. The award recognizes Step Afrika!’s leadership, innovation, and lasting contributions to the field of dance and the performing arts.

Presented as part of IABD’s Awards Celebration Gala, the honor acknowledges organizations whose artistry, service, and commitment have made a meaningful impact on the Black dance community and beyond. In its official letter, IABD recognized Step Afrika!’s role in advancing the art form of stepping and its continued dedication to sharing this cultural tradition with audiences around the world.

Step Afrika! Founder and Executive Producer C. Brian Williams accepting the award from IABD’s Membership Director and former Step Afrikan Joe Murchison.

Step Afrika! is deeply grateful to IABD for this recognition and proud to stand among the artists and organizations shaping the future of Black dance. This honor reflects the Company’s ongoing mission to celebrate, preserve, and innovate within the tradition of stepping for generations to come.

STEP AFRIKA!’S HONOREE LETTER

Omar Ingram, Executive Director of IABD

“In recognition of Step Afrika’s exceptional artistry, performance, and uniqueness as a creative
voice as well as the Company’s commitment to breaking new ground, exploring new processes,
and using existing knowledge and traditions to reintroduce the world to the art form of stepping, the Board of Directors of The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) has chosen Step Afrika! to receive the Jeraldyne Blunden Local Innovators Awards.

Our selection for this award has been determined by your special service not only to the Dance
field but also to the performing arts sector, as well as your ability to make a difference in the lives of every person your work has touched. Your professional presence and commitment to Black dance are deeply appreciated. Our engagement of special honorees – persons and organizations
respected for their professional accomplishments and acknowledged for their service – is the best practice we can use to call further attention to your contributions and their impact on the larger performing arts community. For us, you represent excellence and the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, civic, and social responsibility.”

READ THE FULL HONOREE LETTER