Stepping Toward Liberation: A Culturally-Inclusive Pedagogy of Resistance through Bedford Hills

Prison Based Step Team - G*S.T.A.R.Z. [Girls/Guys Stepping Towards  A Rehabilitation Zone]

This project reimagines stepping as an inclusive, educational tool that unites individuals across racial and cultural lines while fostering resistance, pride, and transformation. Through movement and rhythm, members reclaim identity and humanity within the carceral system. The G*S.T.A.R.Z. step team uses art to bridge prisons and colleges through mentorship and performance. The video you are about to view demonstrates humanity and transformation through the power of movement and collective expression. This video was previously featured at the Arts in Action Festival in New York on September 10, 2023. The academic achievements of the steppers range from Associates to Masters degrees.

About Tami Eldridge:

Founder of the G*Star Steppers (2016), Tami Eldridge has been incarcerated for 26 years and continues to empower others through education and art. She is currently pursuing her second master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership at Adams State University and plans to develop this model into an accredited graduate-level curriculum.

Tami Eldridge – Founder – M.A. 2024, New York Theological Seminary & Adams State University

Lee Ann Armanini – Stage Manager – Degree Pending, Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Michele Graham – Poet – M.A., Union Theological Seminary

Nedra “Nene” Jones – B.A., Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

D. “Fyve” Cochrane – A.A., Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Latonia “Shelly” Stewart – A.A., Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Shynice “Shy” Waldropt – Degree Pending, Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Zarah Coombs – A.A., Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Shenia Williams – A.A., Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Natalie “Aminah” Johnson – M.A., Union Theological Seminary

S. “Rabbit” Patterson – A.A., Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Anna Thomas – A.A., Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus

Devonnee “Phoenix” Wilkerson – Degree Pending, Marymount Manhattan College, Bedford Hills Campus