A teenage pageant queen will tonight host a non-violent rally — fulfilling her election pledge.

Selita Crockwell, who was crowned Miss Teen Bermuda last November, used her platform speech to discuss her views on youth violence and decided to take action by hosting an event for her peers.

The Non-Violence Rally will be held tonight from 8 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. at the Bermuda College gymnasium.

It will start with an hour-long panel discussion and end with a concert featuring artists such as Ninja Kutty, DJ Khad, Lady T, Prince Rijika and Jason Jamstar, with a special appearance by Wyclef's Refugee All Stars.

Miss Crockwell said the event "will show Bermuda that we do not need violence to solve problems, we can talk things out".

She added: "Through the panel discussion I hope to break down walls and open up the community's mind to communication and change. Also to give the youth an opportunity to state their ideas and to make a change in our society."

Sean Madhouse, a member of the Refugee All Stars', said he agreed to DJ at the event because he supported the cause.

He said: "I've been to Bermuda a couple of times, I enjoy the people there, the people enjoy me there, it's a beautiful island, you don't want it to be spoiled by violence.

"I know that a big part of the Island's income is through tourism and I understand, coming from Jamaica, that if you let violence kill that, it will destroy your future economy. So I wanted to continue to help it going."

According to the DJ, the event is a chance for the youth to come out and prove they can have fun without violence.

He added: "This is their proving ground. Prove to your nation that you can come out and not be violent, so you can have more things to do and are not sitting up there saying 'I'm bored'."

When asked about his performance, he said: "We are going to play as many songs as the young adults want. I call them young adults because they need to act like young adults, so you give them some responsibility for their actions."

"It's going to be a fun theme but fun without violence. We don't usually do play music with violence because we know that we are part of the media and I think part of the problem, so if we start building down some of the negativity then we can start building up the positive."

The last time he played in Bermuda, three years ago, violence broke out at the event.

"I couldn't really understand why a place so small could be so violent. So I said you know what? The best place to start working on it would be with the youth, so if you fix it there it will grow properly and whatever the problems they have they can eradicate it."

The event is being sponsored by Barritt's (John and Son) and the Spinning Wheel. The equipment is being lent by Craig (Bubbles) Darrel, who agreed to help out in support of the cause.

Mr. Darrell said: "When you give from the heart you get back one way or another. Anything to prevent stopping the violence I am all for it."

Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and can be found at Dub City and Jazzy Boutique, and money raised will go to charities, including the West-End Community Centre.