Excitement was an understatement.

The SONYC afterschool leadership team, Keith Hicks, Director, and Deputy Director Lizette Martinez, identified a step team to participate in the 48th Annual African-American Day Parade on Sunday, September 17. Which step team? Only the very best – hailing from Brooklyn, SASF’s own IS 381K program.

It did not end there. The talented group of 10 steppers and SASF staff members had the distinguished honor to march alongside New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, First Lady Chirlane McCray, Civil Rights activist, and past national president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Hazel Dukes, and other elected officials.

“Step dance has African roots and is an African American tradition. Our steppers from IS 381 work hard day in and day out to practice and perfect the complex rhythms, foot movement and hand claps that make this tradition one that portrays strength, team work and can send a powerful message. We are grateful to SONYC for the invitation of our youth to take part in an event that celebrates culture, heritage and legacy,” said Michelle Durante, Director of the Arts.