When C. Brian Williams launched a one-time cultural festival in Johannesburg at age 25, he never imagined he was laying the foundation for a groundbreaking arts organization that would span continents.
“I had no idea it would be the thing I’d do for the rest of my life,” said Williams, founder and executive director of Step Afrika!, the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. “Back then, I just wanted to create the Step Afrika! International Cultural Festival, have a great time and move on.”
More than two decades later, Step Afrika! has performed in over 60 countries, toured off-Broadway and become a vital platform for arts education, cultural preservation and Black artistic excellence.
Williams graduated from Howard University with a business degree and a focus on marketing—training that proved more valuable than he anticipated.
“It gave me a marketing mindset,” he said. “Even though my degree wasn’t in the arts, I’m always thinking about how to position and present what I’m working on.”
That mindset helped him scale Step Afrika! from a grassroots idea into one of the world's most influential Black dance companies. In June, the company will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a production that includes two world premieres and choreography developed in Johannesburg—making it a full-circle moment for Williams.
His vision has fueled Step Afrika!’s growth—and shaped the kinds of stories the company chooses to tell.
One of Step Afrika!’s most powerful projects is a video tribute to the Little Rock Nine, created during the pandemic when live performances were suspended. Williams wanted to honor Black culture and pass down a story he believes the next generation needs to hear.
“Keeping that memory alive—that’s part of our mission.”
The Little Rock Nine video holds special meaning for Williams not only because of its message, but also because it was created during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, when many arts organizations were shutting down. He kept his artists employed by pivoting to digital performances—an effort that sustained the company and made meaningful work like this possible.
“That was one of our biggest victories,” he said. “And the creativity that came out of that time still resonates with audiences.”
Today, Step Afrika! employs 19 full-time artists, making it the largest employer of dancers of color in Washington, DC. The company also holds national auditions each May to discover and recruit emerging talent.
“We take that very seriously,” Williams said. “We want to create full-time, excellent places of employment for Black artists. The form we celebrate comes from African American culture and history and we honor that daily.”
Step Afrika!’s global appeal has been one of its most affirming surprises. From Vietnam to Ecuador to rural towns in Africa, audiences are moved by the power and precision of stepping. “It’s amazing to see how people of all backgrounds respond to this tradition,” Williams said. “I love the theater—art brings people together.”
His list of accomplishments is long, but several moments stand out: performing at the White House under President Obama, contributing a permanent exhibit on stepping to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and performing at the first official Juneteenth celebration under President Biden.
Still, Williams emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment for aspiring changemakers.
“Take your time,” he advised. “There’s no overnight sensation when it comes to making an impact. Excellence takes time. Patience is not just a virtue—it’s essential.”
As Williams prepares to address UDC graduates, he reflected on the importance of education and the impact of his own experiences.
“I’m excited to be part of this celebration and speak to students about the power of the arts, entrepreneurship and leadership.”
Williams highlighted the importance of dedication and resilience in his work and how these qualities can translate into success in any field.
“The path I’ve taken hasn’t been a straight line,” he noted. “But every step, big or small, has contributed to where I am today. I want to encourage the graduates to trust the process, take their time and never underestimate the value of persistence.”
Williams is eager to engage more deeply with local students and institutions, including potential collaborations with UDC.
“I’d love to share my entrepreneurial journey, especially in the arts,” he said. “Not just how to create, but how to lead, build and sustain something with impact.”
As Williams put it: “It’s amazing how one idea can become your life’s work.”