Boroughs United 2019: Hackney Empire talent showcase highlights the positive achievements of youths

Konverse Dance Crew performing in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Boroughs United was set up by the youth club in Balmes Road, on the De Beauvoir Estate, to encourage collaboration between young Londoners, promote their positive achievements and take a stand against gun and knife crime.

A two minute silence was held before the performers aged from five to 19 took to the stage, as photos of all the young people killed because youth violence over the past year flashed one-by-one on a screen.

Youth worker Kelly Reid, who was one of the evening’s comperes told the Gazette: “It is a honour that we at The Crib are able to promote positive outcomes that young people achieve pan-London. The event will be having its 20th anniversary next year so watch this space as we will be touring boroughs to find amazing young talent in dance, singing and Mc and spoken word.”

‘Inspirational’ awards were handed to mothers who have lost their children through youth violence, who now dedicate their lives to raise awareness of its consequences.

Konverse Dance Crew performing in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Konverse Dance Crew performing in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Konverse Dance Crew performing in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Performers in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Flexy UK, the Crib's dance troupe, performing in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Flexy UK, the Crib's dance troupe, performing in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Performers in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Performers in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Performers in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Performers in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Performers in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Performers in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Konverse Dance Crew performing in Boroughs United 2019. Picture: Harrisshoots (Image: Harrisshoots)

Boroughs United 2019 (Image: The Crib)

Boroughs United 2019 (Image: The Crib)

Boroughs United 2019 at the Hackney Empire (Image: The Crib)

Boroughs United 2019 (Image: The Crib)

Boroughs United 2019 (Image: The Crib)

Boroughs United 2019 (Image: The Crib)