TRAILBLAZERS
Each year at our Association conference we recognize members of our HBCU Performance community who have been innovators, founders, outstanding performers and those leaving a lasting impact on the culture.
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We also recognize our founding members who we bestow with Honorary/Emeritus membership.
Dancer/Choreographer/Instructor
BRIAN WILLIAMS
2023 TRAILBLAZER
Brian L. Williams of Tampa, FL is a well-known dancer, choreographer, instructor and coach of young dancers. He's known for his role as Director of the iconic Bubblin' Brown Sugar Dance Line at Morris Brown College who was featured in the ground-breaking movie Drumline. For many years he was the Director of the Champagne Dancers of South Carolina State University. His accomplishments are many:
*American Choreography Award Nominee
"Drumline" - Fox Films
*Former Coach - Florida A&M / Morris Brown College / South Carolina State
*Professional dance and choreography in HBCU sports, NFL, Tourism/Theme Park, Stage Television and Film
*Clinician and guest choreographer to numerous high school throughout the entire southeastern U.S.
*Proud Teacher of students who are coaches(high school and college), and have performed on award shows, movies, music videos, NFL and NBA teams
Founder, HBCU Dance Corporation, LLC
Keelia Brown
2022 Trailblazer
Keelia Brown of Charlotte, NC, is the founder of HBCU Dance Corp, a non-profit organization that supports the successful matriculation of young ladies who participate in the art and sport of dance at HBCU schools through scholarships, dance training, sponsorships, annual awards and online tools. The HBCU Dance Corporation was dedicated to providing relevant dance information and tools for current and aspiring HBCU band dance teams - including performance videos & photos, audition information, upcoming events, forums and more.
A graduate with a Bachelors and Masters in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University, Keelia was a member of the Mahogany N Motion Dance Team and the Clark Atlanta Basketball Dance Team.
In addition to her passion for the HBCU Performance genre, she has also worked in the technology field at various companies.
She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
South Carolina State University
Electric Silk
Eddie Morris
2020 Trailblazer
Mr. Eddie Morris is well known in the Color Guard and Flag Line circles. He has been coaching a total of 35 amazing years and has been coaching at South Carolina StateUniversity since the closure of Morris Brown College. Mr. Morris has performed with the Drum Corp International (DCI) guards for the Madison Scouts and Southwind of Alabama.
Texas Southern University Sensations
Gretchen Jean
2020 Trailblazer
Gretchen Jean is currently the coach of the Texas Southern Sensations Dance Team. Prior to that she coached the Motion of the Ocean Dance Line that performed with the Ocean of Soul Marching Band. She is also a former Houston Rockets Dancer. She teaches fitness classes and still dances as a member of the Houston Rockets Space City Senior Dance Team.