Every STEP of the way

Have you ever seen a step show?? If you haven’t, head over to YouTube and type in ‘Stepping’ in the search engine and you will find all kinds of shows.

I perform in my first step in a talent show (Apollo Nite) at my alma mater, University of Tampa, in Spring 1988. It was awesome. It wasn’t complicated (I made up the routine). My next step show was as a non Greek team that performed during halftime at my alma mater’s Basketball game during my Sophomore in the Spring 1989. A month later, I would pledge Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. which would begin my life long stepping adventures.

I have been in countless shows. At this point, there are two many to count. Some were memorable and some were “Oooo lawd! What were YOU thinking?”. However, they were all impactful to me.

But the one stepping performance that resonates with me occurred during my wedding reception. My wife specifically requested my brothers and I step and they did not disappoint.

But what made the show memorable had nothing to do with the stepping.

At the time of our wedding, like a lot of couples who ‘pay for their own wedding’, we were scrambling at the end. Fortunately, we had a great wedding coordinator (and Soror! Once again, those DAMN AKAs! Lol) who made life easier but with finances dwindling, family members coming and last minute changes, it became nightmarish.

However, there were many people who didn’t let us slip. Whether it be our parents, my wife’s aunts, our cousins, our wedding coordinator (that damn AKA. Lol) or our friends, we had a lot of support.

And it resonated in different ways. Whether it be my Best Woman (another DAMN AKA), one of my Groomsmen who was a Sigma (Still trying to figure out in the town where I pledged Alpha and with a BOAT load of Alpha brothers everywhere, how I ended up spending my last night as a Single man with a Sigma. Still trying to figure that one out) or ALL of brothers who troubleshot every problem, every issue was addressed.

So, by the time we got to the reception, ate our meal, cut the cake, and did our dances, I was completely and unconditionally relaxed.

So for those who are lucky enough to have someone support you ‘Every Step of the Way’, consider yourself lucky. I truly am blessed to have stepped down the aisle with a beautiful woman and had plenty of people supporting me with every little step I took.

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