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I have never met Markie Bee in person but I have seen his work. On my first visit to Chicago, I saw Markie Bee but did not meet him personally. I have watched him in action recording videos and taking photographs for the prelims and contests for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest. Not sure if Markie Bee would do an interview with me, I was hesitant, because he seemed to enjoy being behind rather than in front of the camera. I took a chance, conjured all positive thoughts, and reached out to him in February 2020. His interview is one of the interviews I was fortunate to get before he passed.

A Brief Bio

Markie Bee is from Chicago. He said, “I was a Deejay, set promoter, videographer, and photographer.” He started capturing footage in the steppin’ community in 1996. Markie Bee admitted. “I step very poorly. I prefer watching others step.” Although he has not been out he has always been in Chicago. “Been mostly home ridden (opposed to bedridden) having had heart attacks, stage 4 COPD, and not coming close to rebounding as I want.” Markie Bee did not remember the first person he captured on film and isn’t sure why he became so renowned in the steppin’ community.

The Interview

  1. What attracted you to start capturing videos and stills of the steppin’ community? I love the dance and the dancers.
  2. What do you consider the most valuable/memorable videos (top three) that you have recorded? They’re all valuable and memorable to me. None stand out more than others.
  3. What have you learned about steppin’ from behind the camera? How to observe the dance and enjoy what I’ve observed.
  4. Were there any surprises along the way as you started this journey to capture this history? None
  5. How are you preserving all the footage you’ve captured? Locked away.
  6. Was there any stepper(s) that you particularly enjoyed capturing on film? Every stepper is a treat.
  7. Where can people see your work? SteppersUSA.com and Facebook.
  8. What do you want to be remembered for? Being a good person.
Markie Bee and the ladies

I am glad Markie Bee entertained this opportunity for a brief conversation even. I am sad that I did not publish this before his passing. My condolences to all of Markie Bee’s family and friends. Rest in peace Markie Bee.

Steppers, the post for women’s month will follow later on this week.