THE HOMEGOING SERVICES FOR DJ SAM CHATMAN, THE GODFATHER OF STEPPIN



The Late Sam Chatman and wife.  Photo provided Shaka Barak, President of The Marcus Garvey Institute.

THE HOMEGOING SERVICES FOR DJ SAM CHATMAN, THE GODFATHER OF STEPPIN


By Shaka Barak, President of The Marcus Garvey Institute email: shakabarak1@yahoo.com


On the weekend of November 6th and 7th, Chicago came together with the family of the late, Mr. Sam Chatman a DJ known as the "Godfather" of the Chicago originated worldwide phenomena of the dance known as Steppin. There were dozens of places where Stepper sets were held on the West and far the South Sides of the City. 

Mr. Chatman the originator was 85 years old when he passed October 22, 2026. D.J. Sam Chatman was born in Money, Mississippi Januray 18, 1941. He eventually moved to Chicago at 4734 Gladys Ave. and attended Crane Highschool on the West Side. 

Immediately upon his passing, his cousin Willie Chatman Jr., who was also Sam Chatman's road manager and event booker, following his motto of "Lets Go To Work", began pulling a large team together consisting of CTA former co-workers, like Donald Moore, Chris Jones and Deon Priest to organized parking; the Twelve Disciples, dancers of Sam Chatman; and making sure with Coach buses that the family numbering over 55, made it to all the venues. 

Over the two days according to Willie Chatman Jr., an estimated 3,000 people came to say farewell to DJ Sam Chatman, the Godfather of Steppin. First, on Friday 6th, there was a Public Visitation at Leak & Sons Funeral Home at 18400 S. Pulaski Road, while the burial was kept private.

Secondly, the Homegoing was held at the Church, 'House of Hope'", located at 752 E. 114th Street, pastored by Reverend Charlie Dates. Hundreds of mourners and Steppers stood in long lines that was easily a block long. Most were dressed in tailor made clothing, as they would have been dressed at one of D.J. Sam Chatman's Stepper Sets. 

They were 'dressed to the nine', with men heads adorning hats made by Dobbs, Stacy Adams, Stetsons, Baileys and wearing shirts with silk ties. With Sams Chatmans words in their brains, "Lets Go To Work, Steppers", likewise, women stepped into line with furs, leather (not pleather), Gucci and Goyard bags, silk and linen dresses, wearing high heels that made them stand 3 to 7 inches taller, with hair done so that not a strain of hair was out of place. Gold Rolex watches, neclaces, bracelets and diamond rings, added to the elegance shown by both men and women who when they first started attending the steppers sets, they learned from Sam Chatman, how to dress both professionally and with unbelievable creative style.

The visitors, that were mostly seniors, who attended this "Home Going" for Sam Chatman stood patiently for 40 minutes in the corridor, of the "House of Hope" wearing their Stacy Adam, Antonio Cerrelli, Giovanni, Snake, Mezlan Crocodile and Allegator shoes, waiting for the family to be seated first.

Once inside the sanctuary, which quickly filled up, the full choir welcomed the guest and sang the gospel songs that touched their hearts. Government officials came with resolutions and proclamations and to pay their respect to the Chatman's and the man who created and led a cultural movement. His family consisted of his wife Eva Chatman, and 8 children: His youngest daughter Samantha Chatman named after him became an ABC reporter and recalled memories of her father, the cook, stepper sharp with a great since of humor and extreme confidence. The other children are Donna Fuller, Kyra Chatman, Kevin Gore, Keith Gore (deceased). There were also Marion Chatman, Cynthia Stewart, Rita Chatman from his marriage to his first wife Rosetta Chatman.

Many of Sam Chatman's supporters, went on to becomes, Stepping dance Instructors, DJ.'s seamstress, tailors, actors and models. DJ Luther Gage spoke and explained how he knew DJ Sam Chatman for over 50 years, helping each other and sharing ideas about the entertainment industry. There to pay tribute were groups like "Sam's Good Girls, "The Sametts and men and women who were there from the beginning of Sam's DJ life.

Chicago's Hon. Mayor  Brandon Johnson, News Reporter Sherrill Burton, Activist Andrew V. Holmes. Congressman Hon. Lashawn Ford, (representing Hon. Danny Davis), Rep. Mattie Hunter, and many others dignitaries.  The House Of Hope Pastor and Reverend Charlie Dates rounded the Homegoing off with an analysis of D.J. Chatman, Steppers and the Steppers Movement.

Thirdly, was the event Steppers set/Repass held at the Noble Entertainment Center, 1515 E. 154th Street. Once again steppers stood in a long line waiting to enter the center, for this free occasion. The tables were set with plates and cups requiring guest to pick up the plate and go to the area where soul food was being served.  

Servers provided food from caterers: Edie Turner, Stacy & Vic Brinson, Haire's Gulf Shrimp, Soul Vegan Love, Harold's Chicken, D&E Restaurant, Jerk Yard, Lem's Bar-B-Q, Harry Shrimp and desserts from the Brown Sugar Bakery. 

The Center quickly filled to standing room only. DJ Cermella, DJ Cross, DJ Vell, DJ Andre Blackwell, DJ Dan Fielder and DJ Willie Cox played stepping music nonstop only pausing for special presentations and for the family group photo. Black Ice the poet extraordinaire recited a poem for Sam Chatman, laying out his life and history.

The following tribute is from one continuing the traditions of D.J. Sam Chatman. D.J. James Harris who knew Sam Chatman for 40 years  stated " DJ Sam Chatman was a mentor of his and he has nothing but admiration for how he always wanted to help people succeed in the entertainment industry."

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