Freedom has never been only about where people could go. It has also been about where they were allowed to belong.
Today’s story is presented in partnership with Brock Montgomery and Charli Montgomery.
Brock Montgomery, a Howard University student, and his sister Charli Montgomery, who will enroll this fall, are expanding access to a tradition long shaped by exclusivity. As the highest-ranking African American Latin ballroom couple in the country, they have received official approval from their ballroom federation to launch the first-ever HBCU ballroom dance team at Howard University.
More than 30 collegiate ballroom teams exist nationwide; however, this will be the first ballroom dance team established at an HBCU.
For many, ballroom has been something admired from a distance. It’s been seen on stages and screens (e.g. Dancing with the Stars), but rarely accessible. By bringing ballroom into a historically Black institution, Brock and Charli are redefining who the space is for and who gets to shape its future.
Freedom lives in movement. It lives in access. And it lives in the decision to open doors that were once closed.
For students interested in learning more
Brock and Charli are gathering interest as they prepare for a Spring 2027 launch. You can reach them at:
Brock@bisonBallroomTeam.orgCharli@bisonBallroomTeam.org
