Unity Hub: A Gathering of Talented Local Artists

by Michael Nguyen
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On February 12, 2014, Unity Charity recently launched a new youth Arts program called Unity Hub. This is a weekly program that invites young artists to practice their urban crafts with other talented youths and mentors. The program is held inside Stephen Leacock Collegiate and allows these young artists to hone their beatboxing, breakdancing, emceeing, and other forms of urban art forms.

Unity Charity is an organization that engages youth through an arts and education program to allow youth to express their stress and be positive role models in their communities. Each year, Unity launches a big event in the summer called Unity Festival to give youth an opportunity to perform at Yonge-Dundas Square in front of a large audience.

Unity Hub: A Gathering of Talented Local Artists

Youth dancing. Photography by Michael Nguyen.

The opening day started off with the young artists filling out the registration forms to sign up for the program. While they waited for the workshop leaders to officially start the unity program, a few Bboys decided to cypher and break dance. This united and inspired everyone to try out four different art forms before breaking off into groups: Graffiti, Beatboxing, Spoken Word, and Breakdancing. Starting with Graffiti, everyone was encouraged to draw or write their names on the black chalk board as if they were tagging or spray painting. Following that, Killa Beats, one of Unity’s Artist Educators, gave a basic and short beatboxing demo and tutorial for everyone to follow.

To encourage and motivate youths to be leaders in their community, Unity brings back some youths to be mentors and teach the new youth participants in Unity. Bidhan Berma, a youth poet, was chosen to introduce everyone to Spoken Word. All of the attendees were encouraged to participate in freestyling one verse/line. Last but not least, Eric Oh, a youth BBoy, taught what is known as Toprock, which is a fundamental element of breakdancing.

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B Bad Radio spinning the track. Photography by Michael Nguyen.

Throughout the program, hip hop beats music was provided by B BAD RADIO to create positive vibes and for the break dancers to dance to the beat. Aside from the open space for youth to hone their talents, the space also provided a hang out spot for participants to socialize and make new friends.

 As often seen in the Unity community, many youth wear their Unity T-Shirt at the events and programs to show support and their involvement in an art movement. Unity owns a clothing line called UNIShop. Their products can be bought at the online shop or at any Unity event.

For more information about being part of the Unity Hub or if you would like to volunteer with any of the programs or upcoming festival, or if you know a friend who might be interested, feel free to visit the official Unity Charity website and check out their list of interactive events.

 

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