I have and always will be an advocate for the local and national steppin community. Over the last five years, I have written interviews and commentaries on the steppers themselves, the DJs and the promoters but today is different. I want to focus on the people behind the scenes that very seldom get their props publicly or recognized for their work and the perceptions that they help others to form about all things steppin.
Terrance Pratt
CEO of Chistepper.com was very instrumental in providing steppers with a forum to voice their opinions about issues and about steppin related issues. With the onslaught of online communiqués, he provided class reviews, pictures, Chistepper vault videos on You Tube, covered local and national parties and provided freelance writers like myself the opportunity to contribute interviews and commentaries to give out of towners a voice in the steppin community.
Markie Bee
The CEO of Steppers USA.com is better known as the man with camera and the “hat”. I would guess that over the last 5-7 years, Markie Bee has taken over 500,000 pictures of Chicagoans and out of town steppers in and out of action on the dance floor. An astute sound technician from his early days in radio and television, Markie Bee has produced steppin videos and writes daily commentaries. He is a big advocate of trying to present steppin in a nationally respected and corporate sponsored arena, doing all that he can to make his creation, “National Steppers Day” an annual ritual across America.
Tonya Harris
She is the CEO of Harris Pro Designs.com and is the woman behind the I Love Steppin.com, Chistepper.com, Steady Steppers Dance-Institute.com, and the Good Deeds International.com websites. This consummate professional, has helped to create professional, informative and creative websites to help boost the notoriety of events and organizations for over five years now. Through her websites, Tonya has helped to form public opinions about these organizations and has definitely provided another outlet for information to be disseminated in the steppin community.
Lamont Watts
He is the CFO of ClubSteppin.com. I had the opportunity to meet Lamont Watts this year at the Heritage Ball 2011 but I’ve been listening to him for a minute on ClubSteppin.com. His daily broadcast of steppin music, interviews and commercials have also give the steppin community national exposure on a musical note as well. He has given Tyk Myn, Mykel “MrMakeUDanceandSing” Farr, Sam Chatman, DJ Cross and DJ Cynsitivity a voice by providing them with shows of their own that are heard on a daily basis.
Cynthia Bean
Being the CEO of What’s the 411? www.thesteppersinternetconnection.com, has allowed Cynthia to provide views, commentaries and play music about local steppin happenings in the Chicago area. She can also be heard on 89.3 FM WKKC’S and is known as the Steppers’ Queen. Having been credited as one of the strongest female hosts at many steppers sets, Cynthia is definitely the woman who knows how to get the word out and how to get the party started.
Ken Bedford
A respected photojournalist for ABC TV 7 in Chicago for over 35 years, Ken Bedford has been providing footage of main events at steppin parties all over the nation as well as producing videos and informational packages for steppin organizations. In addition, Ken Bedford throws first class parties in Chicago that plays host to a steady flow of heavy hitters and celebrities from the R&B, Hip Hop, and film industries. Check out his videos on You Tube.
My brothers and sisters who are behind the scenes, I take this opportunity to salute you for your endless hours of work, unappreciated efforts at times and your willingness to take on this labor of love on a daily basis. Cheers!
0 comments:
Post a Comment