Inspired by the Stono Rebellion of 1739, Drumfolk explores a little-known event in history that would forever transform African American life and culture. When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the bodies of the people. New percussive forms took root, leading to new performance traditions, like ring shout, tap, and stepping.

Step Afrika! was founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, a Houstonian with deep roots in the community. His mother founded The Imani School nearly three decades ago. In 2012, Williams’ brothers founded Lucille’s restaurant, continuing a culinary tradition created by their great grandmother almost a century ago.