The Poetic Fashion event, hosted by Literature for Life, saw artists come together to show off their talents and promote positive lifestyles. The non-profit Literature for Life encourages literacy and increases the self-esteem of young women by introducing novels, literature appreciation, writing and group facilitation into their lives.A creative collision of poetry and fashion merged to deliver a sonic and visually splendid anti-violence message.The Aug. 27 event, at the Capitol Event Theatre, was designed to break down barriers and stereotypes. Hip-hop and spoken-word artists filled the gaps between runway models sporting home-grown couture. The talented musicians and designers hailed from the city’s priority neighbourhoods.
“I am a firm believer that literacy is the key to a better life and if a mom is interested in literacy and learning, then her kids will, too,” said Jo Altilia, Literature for Life’s founder and executive director.
Through two magazines the women at the shelter publish, Yo’ Momma (Young Mother), containing their original stories, and Solace, dedicated to violence in relationships, the shelter helps to build self-esteem and teach the women to be community leaders.
Altilia said the program furthers the bond between mother and child as the mothers quickly see their own lives in other people’s stories. They realize they are the authors of their own lives and don’t have to be victims.
“Stories are valuable because they teach us about the wider world. Without guidance and intervention, Altilia said pregnant teens often drop out of school and can go down the wrong path.
Sgt. Jeff Pearson was invited to tell the audience more about TAVIS (Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy) but was impressed by the creative anti-violence messages being sounded out.
“All these rappers had an anti-gun message that had the crowd cheering,” Pearson said.
“I was there to show people the whole picture of TAVIS,” he said, of introducing people of the ways police mobilize the community.
“Often they only see the enforcement side of TAVIS, but we’re out there to work the community.”
He said TAVIS officers move into a community to make it safe and then engage the residents to make their neighbourhood better.
“We get community and city resources to make the community stronger so when officers leave the area, the community prevents violence from reoccurring,” Pearson said.
Source: Toronto Police website
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