Stepping Against Substance Abuse: Local Youth Showcase Dance Talent at Howard University

On a brisk Saturday afternoon, children and parents from across metro Washington gathered at Howard University's Cramton Auditorium to fight the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco through step dancing. Stomp D.A.T. showcased local youth stepping to promote public awareness about the dangers of these substances. The event, sponsored by the Federal City alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Federal City Public Service Foundation, aimed to teach youth confidence, sisterhood, and leadership through the power of step.

Key Takeaways:

• The event, Stomp D.A.T., was a step dancing competition that aimed to promote public awareness about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
• The competition, held at Howard University's Cramton Auditorium, featured eight teams, including local elementary and high school students.
• The most common excuse for using drugs is that they "aren't harmful because they're natural," according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
• Nearly 4.2 million people over the age of 12 had a drug abuse or addiction problem, according to the institute.
• The primary goal of the Junior Stomp team of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, is to minister to people through stepping and show the community that church-affiliated teams can perform like other teams.
• The program allows the church to mentor the girls on the team with school, homework, or helping them with discipline.
• The event also featured a performance by the Polly Stompettes/P.Bodies and a presentation of an award to Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, the nation's 16th Surgeon General.
• The winner of the Beginners' Steppers Division was Eagle Steppers, while Jaguar Steppers placed 2nd in the All Teams Division.
• The showstoppers of the night were DemaCO Raider Boyz, who took home first place in the All Teams Division.

Statistics:

• Nearly 4.2 million people over the age of 12 had a drug abuse or addiction problem, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
• The most common excuse for using drugs is that they "aren't harmful because they're natural," according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
• The event, Stomp D.A.T., was the 13th year of the program.

Sources:

• National Institute of Drug Abuse
• Federal City alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority
• Federal City Public Service Foundation
• Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland
• Howard University News Service