Resident, Ward 6
C. Brian Williams is a graduate of Howard University and has been a D.C. resident for over 25 years. After living in Southern Africa, Brian began to research the percussive dance tradition of stepping, exploring the many sides of this exciting, yet under-recognized American art form and founded Step Afrika! in 1994. Brian has performed, lectured and taught in Europe, South and Central America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean and throughout the United States. He is a founder of the historic Step Afrika! International Cultural Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Under Brian’s leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s newest cultural exports and inspired the designation of Step Afrika! as Washington, D.C.’s official Cultural Ambassador. Brian has been cited as a “Civic/Community Visionary” by NV Magazine, a “Nation Builder” by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and a “Minority Business Leader” by the Washington Business Journal. He is featured in Soulstepping, the first book to document the history of stepping, and several documentaries discussing the art form. Brian is also a recipient of numerous awards, including the Mayor’s Art Award for Innovation in the Arts and the Pola Nirenska Award for Contemporary Achievement in Dance.