Traditional African philosophy inspired young people to take a stand against street violence at Hackney’s first Ubuntu Youth Peace Day.

Campaigners and performers joined forces at City Edge Morley Hall in Mare Street on Saturday (April 2) to promote unity.

Nathan Levy of the Robert Levy Foundation, whose brother was stabbed to death in 2004 whilst trying to prevent a fight, gave a special presentation. And young drummers, dancers and poets took to the stage.

The event, organised by children’s charity Hackney Quest and the TUTU Foundation UK, was inspired by Ubuntu, an African concept of community cohesion, love and harmony.

“It’s inspiring to see how many of Hackney’s young people are determined to break the many social barriers caused by differences in things like faith, culture, and gang influences,” said Colette Allen, director of Hackney Quest.