tudents participating in choreographed dances during performance at Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. Photo Credit: Eric Salvary/Boomtown Photography
For most NYC area kids, it would have been easy to spend their Saturday afternoon watching television, watching clips on YouTube and getting their sleep on!
But when you’re not just every other kid and you happen to shine bright like a diamond in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and in the Bronx, chillin’ ain’t even an option.
On Saturday June 20, the top ten teams representing Beacon, SONYC and Cornerstone programs from the five boroughs participated in NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s Step It Up final showcase at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater.
The competition empowers young people to speak out against issues in their communities and to take their positive messages to the stage by producing remarkable performance pieces that embody their social causes.
Malik Yoba chats with crowd at Apollo. Photo Credit: Eric Salvary/Boomtown Photography
The competition featured actor Malik Yoba (Empire, New York Undercover) who took part as a special guest and celebrity judge of the event that more than 80 teams and 1,000 youth between the ages of 10 – 20 from across New York City auditioned for. “I don’t like that word, judgment,” Yoba told Respect-Mag. “I’m giving feedback.
Teams were judged on their performances as well as their anti-violence campaigns. Issues included gang violence, bullying, teen dating violence, gun violence, and child abuse/neglect. Yoba, a Bronx-born, Harlem raised and Brooklyn resident likes that he’s engaging with the kids by participating, giving feedback and is a recognizable face. “It’s what you’re supposed to do; be of service to other people,” he said.
Daryl Rattray, the DYCD’s assistant commissioner is glad to have a program that allows kids to utilize their talents and be productive. “The entire competition is designed to elevate young adults,” he said. “It’s part of a message of stopping the violence in the city and empowering young adults.”
The showcase also featured a special performance from Step It Up alum, India Carney who appeared who was a top five finalist on season 8 of the hit tv show, The Voice.
DYCD supports New York City’s afterschool and youth workforce development programs throughout the five boroughs. The agency also oversees funding for anti-poverty programs, such as adult literacy and immigrant services.
For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/dycd
More from Lifestyle
Level Mag Celebrates Greatest Day In Hip-Hop Revealing Rare Images Featuring Legend Slick Rick and More..
If you hear by word-of-mouth that there's a hot new website for the Culture, it's likely met with skepticism. Enter Level …
RESPECT The Hustle: Kristinia DeBarge on new single ‘Bet’, Quarantine Life, & What’s Next for Her Career
Kristina DeBarge discusses her upcoming single Bet, how she spent her quarantine, and what's next for her blossoming career. RESPECT …
RESPECT The Hustle: Corey Arvinger & Justin Phillips on co-founding Support Black Colleges and business in quarantine
Historically Black Colleges or Universities have been a staple within the Black community. With most of them forming after the …
