The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence

KENNETH L. ALEXANDER

Kenneth L. Alexander is a native of Savannah, GA, with a BFA in Interior Design from Valdosta State University. First introduced to stepping through the Sigma Beta Club, Kenneth went on to become a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He has taught and performed in and around Tampa Bay, FL, and most recently had the honor of performing at the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show. This is Kenneth’s first season with the company.

NYA CHRISTIAN

Nya Christian is a native of Cleveland, OH, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Sociology and Dance Arts from Howard University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she has served as the Alpha Chapter Parliamentarian, Step Mistress, and Stroll Captain. Nya has choreographed works for Taste of Howard, the White House Initiative on HBCU Step performance, Howard University’s 2022 Homecoming Step Show performance, DC-based Black History Month performances, and the 2023 North Atlantic Regional Step Show’s winning number. She has also represented the Howard University National Panhellenic Council and her Sorority on Good Morning America for “The story of 9 historically Black fraternities and sororities” segment during Black History Month. This is Nya’s first season with the company.

JEROD COLEMAN

Jerod Coleman is a native of Columbus, GA, with a BA in History from the University of South Alabama. A member of the Theta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he has served as both step and stroll master. Jerod has performed with the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Red Bull Dance Your Style, and DreamHack ATL entertainment teams. He taught at Thomas H. Brewer Elementary School in Columbus, Georgia, where he also ran an all-boys step team called the B.L.U.E. Steppers. This is Jerod’s first season with the company.

ARIEL DYKES

Ariel Dykes is a native of Gainesville, FL, with an Associate of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre from Santa Fe College and a BFA in Dance from the University of Florida. Ariel was introduced to stepping and strolling as a member of the Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she choreographed step routines for the chapter and UF’s National Panhellenic Council. She has trained in traditional and post-modern dance, jazz, voice, and acting, and has worked with such artists as Ailey Dancers’ Nathaniel Hunt and Saman tha Barriento, Tony Award winner Scott Coulter, and Galen Hooks. This is Ariel’s second season with the company.

KEOMI GIVENS JR.

Keomi Givens Jr. is a native of Miami, FL, where he trained with Ricardo Dume, Traci Young-Byron, Jakari Sherman, Conrad Kelly II, Tanisha Cide l, Maribel Trujillo, and Robert Battle. He has studied at the New World School of the Arts and the Mahogany Dance Theatre, where he served as a Rehearsal Director and choreographer. Keomi has danced with Gravity Dance Troupe and Young Contemporary Dance Theatre (YCDT) and has previously toured nationally with Step Afrika! as a guest artist. In addition to his exceptional work as a dancer, Keomi has choreographed for the legendary 100 of Florida A&M University, RickyDanco, and Booker T Washington Lady Twisters. This is Keomi’s first season with the company as a full-time artist.

LEANDER GRAY

Leander Gray is a native of Washington, DC, and a previous BFA candidate with a Contemporary Dance concentration at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Leander has performed at the Black Leaves Project, CityDance Creating the Magic concerts, Art All Night DC, Elements Urban Arts Collective Annual Showcase, and the DC Youth Freestyle Battle. He has participated in the prestigious Monsters of Hip Hop Intensive and the Kennedy Center Dance Lab and was featured in one of Revolution Marz's music videos. This is Leander’s first tour with the company.

JORDIN GREENE

Jordin Greene is a DMV native and graduate of Howard University where she received her BFA in Theatre Arts and Dance from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. She has a technical dance background in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, Horton, Dunham, and Graham. Jordin is currently a working artist with the local DC company SOLE Defined, with which she has performed and toured across the US, including notable stages like The Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center. She has had the privilege of working with notable choreographers and artists such as Darrell Moultrie, Hope Boykin and HB Dance, Tommie Waheed, Janice Rosario, Royce Zackery, and Brian Flynn of Roult Dance Company. Jordan is grateful for all her experiences thus far and looks forward to a bright future in theater and dance.

KAMALA HARGROVE

Kamala Hargrove is a native of the Bronx, NY, with a BA in Mathematics, Theater, and Dance from Trinity College. Kamala studied with the Alvin Ailey School and Dance Theater of Harlem and has appeared in various music videos and live performances. She has performed with artists including Estelle, Mr. Vegas, Wizkid, and French Montana. Kamala has also worked as a teaching artist in New York City, teaching elementary, middle, and high school students. This is Kamala’s second season with the company.

BRIONA JACKSON

Briona Jackson is a vocalist, actress, songwriter, and teaching artist reigning from Washington, DC. She graduated from the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts and earned her B.M. in Vocal Performance from George Mason University. As a multigenerist performer, Briona has starred in a variety of roles across opera, theater, film, and musical tours. Her credits include One Mo’ Time (Anacostia Playhouse), Waldy Street (Broadway), and Step with Kevin Ross (Today Show/National Tour).

NEPRI JAMES

Nepri James is a native of Atlanta, GA, with a BA from North Carolina A&T State University. Step Master for her Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., she is known for bringing her step team to victory at the 2018 Homecoming Step Show. Nepri has worked for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Rise and Contra Tiempo and has previously toured nationally with Step Afrika! as a guest artist. This is Nepri’s first season with the company as a full-time artist.

TERRENCE JOHNSON

Terrence Johnson is a native of Broward County, FL, with a BA in General
Studies from the University of Central Florida. Terrence has previously stepped with the ADIMU: Men of Excellence Step Team, and served as a cofounder, president, and performer with the Hazard Step Team. He is also a 2015 inductee of the UCF Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc. This is Terrence’s first season with the company as a full-time artist.

AGYEI KEITA-EDWARDS

Agyei Keita-Edwards is a professional drummer and percussionist who made his dynamic debut at the tender age of three. With a rich performance history at prestigious venues like the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Millennium Stage of The Kennedy Center, Agyei has shared stages with celebrated artists, including Sheila E., and most notably, the acclaimed rapper and record producer Busta Rhymes at the MTV Video Music Awards. Agyei has over twenty years of experience in West African percussion, establishing himself as an accomplished and sought-after artist. He continues to accompany bands both nationally and internationally, including guest performances with Step Afrika!. A spiritually grounded and powerful musician, Agyei is the Musical Director of the Farafinakan percussion ensemble. His motto, “Do it with excellence or don't do it at all,” is evident in every performance.

CONRAD R. KELLY II

Conrad R. Kelly II is a native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, who studied Criminal Justice at Florida A&M University. Following his time with A&M’s Marching 100 and The Strikers, Conrad became a soloist for The Rolle Project in Las Vegas and a dance instructor with Studio 305, where he regularly taught classes in hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz. Conrad has won numerous awards as a choreographer and dancer, and is a two-time recipient of the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities’ prestigious Arts and Humanities Fellowship Program. A longstanding member of the company, Conrad serves as Step Afrika!’s Assistant Artistic Director and most recently choreographed The Movement, an epic tribute to Black Lives Matter and the domino effect of activism experienced in 2020. This is Conrad’s seventh season with the company.

LIONEL D. LYLES II

Lionel D. Lyles II is a native of Boulder, CO, with a degree in Music Education from Morgan State University and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies Saxophone Performance from North Carolina Central University, where he studied under jazz legends such as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Jimmy Heath, Roy Hargrove, Brian Horton, Robert Trowers, and Dr. Ira Wiggins. His ensemble The Lionel Lyles Quintet has produced three albums: The Lionel Lyles Quintet: The September Sessions (2006), The Lionel Lyles Quintet: At The Precipice (2014), and The Lionel Lyles Quintet: Simplistically Complex (2019). Lionel has received the JAZZY award for Best Jazz Tenor and has been recognized by the Washington City Paper as both the Best New Jazz Tenor Player and Best Performing Artist. His extensive teaching career includes positions as Director of Bands in the Baltimore City Public School System and Prince George’s County Public Schools, as well as a Woodwind Adjunct at Loyola University Maryland. In 2023, he joined the faculty of Morgan State University as the Director of Jazz.

ABDOU MUHAMMED

Abdou Muhammed is a native of Washington, DC, and has studied West African drumming since the age of 2 years old. Muhammad has studied and performed with various African Dance companies in the Washington, D.C. area, such as Coyaba Dance Theatre, African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, KanKouran Dance Company, and Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company. Throughout his 28 years of drumming, Muhammad has performed at various venues, such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, NY, and The State Theatre in Austin, Texas. Currently, Muhammad is a Musical Director of Coyaba Dance Theatre and is on faculty at The Davis Center, The Washington Ballet, and at Inner City Inner Child, an early childcare program based in Washington, DC, that introduces literacy through music and dance.

ISAIAH O'CONNOR

Isaiah O'Connor is a native of Miami, FL, with a BS in Biology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. A student of hip- hop, modern, and urban soul, Isaiah has previously stepped with the Strikers Dance Troupe under the direction of Shepiro Hardemon. This is Isaiah’s second season with the company.

NA'IMAH RAY

Na'imah Ray is a native of Brooklyn, NY, with a BFA in Dance from Montclair State University. Na'imah performed as a Centennial Stepper with her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has trained with Dwana Smallwood, Earl Mosley, Christian von Howard, and Beatrice Capote, and participated in dance programs at The Ailey School and Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts. This is her second season with the company.

VALENCIA ODEYKA EMONNI SPRINGER

Valencia Odeyka Emonni Springer is a native of Brooklyn, NY, with a BA in Elementary Education from Virginia Union University. Valencia is a proud member of the Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the Eta Psi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary band sorority and served as the first “Stand Queen” (captain) with the Ambassadors of Sound Marching Band. Previously a student of Restoration Youth Arts Academy, Valencia has performed with Forces of Nature, Dance Africa (Brooklyn), and as part of a live installation entitled “A Primordial Place.” She has also worked as a social studies and science teacher, dance teacher/coach, guest choreographer for local New York/Virginia majorette teams, and as a model for New York and Richmond, Virginia, fashion weeks. This is Valencia’s fifth season with the company.

ERICKA STILL

Erika Still is a native of St. Petersburg, FL, with a BA in Health Science, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Rehabilitation Management from Florida A&M University. Ericka previously stepped with AKAdemy Exquisite Gems and studied under the direction of Paulette W. Johnson and Shepiro Hardemon as a member and Co-Assistant Artistic Director of Mahogany Dance Theatre. This is Ericka’s second season with the company.

BRIE TURNER

Brie Turner is a native of Lithonia, GA with a BA in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications from Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications where she graduated magna cum laude. As an exceptional dancer, choreographer, and communications professional, Brie’s unwavering dedication to her craft has propelled her to great heights in her knowledge of performing arts. She has dedicated over 10 years to technical dance training, shaping her into a versatile and well-rounded dancer. During her undergraduate career at Howard, Brie became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., where she served as president and her passion for stepping was nurtured. Additionally pursing a minor in Theater Arts Administration, she rose to captain and co-captain roles in the Howard University Bisonettes Dance Ensemble. In her second season with the company, Brie is excited to continue bringing life to African diasporic stories and dance styles.

JOSEPH VASQUEZ

Joseph Vasquez is a native of Guttenberg, NJ, with a BS in Exercise Science from Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he served as a member of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Incorporated. Joseph has led and choreographed for the Bachata Performance Team, and previously performed with The Revels, a stroll team led by Francisco Pozo and Carlos Zapata. This is Joseph’s second season with the company.

PELHAM WARNER JR.

Pelham Warner Jr. is a native of The Bronx, NY, and has a BA from Dutchess Community College. Pelham is a member of The Order of the Feather Fraternity where he served as the team’s Step Master and captain for five years, and has previously danced with The Players Club Steppers. Pelham has worked as a dance instructor in the greater New York City area, and recently performed in the a capella musical The Movement by Kathy D. Harrison at the National Black Theater Festival. This is Pelham’s fifth year with the company.

ROBERT WARNSLEY

Robert Warnsley is a native of Chicago, IL, with a BS in Information Technology from Illinois State University. A member of the Eta Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Robert served as the step and stroll master and has organized, competed in, and placed first in numerous step shows. He has taught stepping to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and actively participates in community service projects in the city of Chicago, teaching dancehall and various Afro styles in the DMV and NYC areas. This is Robert’s fifth season with the company.

GREG WATKINS

Greg Watkins is an award-winning artist and purpose-filled educator. Having graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University (B.M, Music Education), and American University (M.Ed, Policy & Leadership), Mr. Watkins is a Helen Hayes Award winner (Legally Blonde, 2019, Keegan Theatre), Capital Fringe Festival Best Musical awardee (The Poet Warriors, 2010) and two-time Dr. Quincy Jones Award winner. He has served as music director to Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad and Kennedy Center Honors recipient Debbie Allen. As a performer, Mr. Watkins has co-starred in numerous professional productions in the Washington Metropolitan area, including Jubilee (Arena Stage), Aida (Constellation Theatre Company), Rock of Ages (Workhouse Arts Center), Sister Act (ArtsCentric), King Lear and Gospel at Colonus (Avant Bard), and Beyond the Mask (PBS documentary). He is the former artistic director of The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir. Currently, Mr. Watkins serves as Director of Choral Activities and Drama at Washington Christian Academy. He is thrilled to return to Arena Stage and re-engage in collaboration with Step Afrika!.

KANYSHA WILLIAMS

Kanysha Williams is a versatile singer, songwriter, actress, and performer from Washington, DC. She began her formal voice training at 14 at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and continued her education at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning her Bachelor of Music from George Mason University. Kanysha has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, sharing the stage with both international and local artists. Known for her flexibility across genres, she has been prominently featured in Washington, DC’s theater community, gracing stages such as Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, and more. In addition to her performing career, Kanysha is a singer/songwriter with music available on all streaming platforms and a podcaster with “Downstage Center” available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. She continues to work as a singer, actress, performer, and music educator in the Washington, DC area.