Step with ‘Step Africa’

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) – Watch and marvel at a small part of the African-American experience with a revived style of dance.

Augustana College hosted ‘Step Africa’ and other dance groups to celebrate African American culture.

“Stepping originated here in the U.S. around the early 1900s,” said Andrew Leon Sanchez, founder of Heavy Steppas Augustana. “In fact, this form of performance has many contexts, through telling or protesting, even showing someone’s feelings.”

Sanchez founded the band Heavy Steppas to create an outlet for students. He said how for many students it is a way to take a break from their daily class schedule. For the college, it allows their campus to demonstrate diversity in its student body and promote minorities.

“We want to continue to provide resources in the Quad Cities – and I think this event will provide local performers, the Augustana Step Team, as well as Step Afrika for community education, energy and fun,” said the Chief of Diversity. Staff member Monica Smith.

The presentation of this event during Black History Month is designed to honor the African-American generation as well as share the legacy of passing on to the next generation.

Augustan hopes to host similar events in the future.

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