London’s gun and knife crime epidemic has prompted Kent law student Mariama Jah to organise an urban fashion show with a tribal twist.
Mariana, a second-year Law LLB student at Kent Law School was saddened to see negative news about young black men in the media in the wake of coverage about violent crimes in the city. Together with a friend, and working as ‘EliteLondon’, she decided to hold an event that would, instead, help celebrate the talents of young BAME people who aspire to be successful.
Their event, called ‘The Route’, will be a celebration of BAME entrepreneurship and talent with a mix of fashion, singing and spoken word performances. Mariama said: ‘Our main aim is to celebrate young excellence and to make it the norm, we also want to divert away from the glorification of violent acts as can be seen in drill music and other controversial forms of media.’
Mariama says her experience of studying law has made her increasingly aware of a lack of rehabilitation services within the criminal justice system. She believes it’s important to focus on preventative measures: ‘If we can discourage young offenders in the first place then it eases the difficulty that can be had with reforming them post-prison or post-offence.’
The sold-out show is taking place from 5pm – 10pm at The Flowerpot in Hoxton on Saturday.