Each month, United in Peace organizes Peace Rides that traverse Los Angeles neighborhoods, aiming to bridge divides and promote dialogue across cultures, races, and faiths. These events are more than just processions of motorcycles and cars; they are a deliberate effort to engage residents and encourage unity in areas that have experienced violence or division.
The rides bring together bikers, low-riders, clergy, community leaders, car and motorcycle clubs, and concerned citizens. Participants distribute peace-oriented materials, including The Way to Happiness booklet and the Million Man March pledge. The objective is straightforward: to help individuals see each other as members of the same community, fostering understanding, respect, and cooperation. By venturing beyond familiar neighborhoods and uniting in goodwill, the Peace Rides aim to challenge divisive perceptions and take meaningful steps toward peace.
At the conclusion of each ride, United in Peace hosts a Peace Festival, where residents and participants gather to celebrate. The festivals feature professional performers in hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, along with local talent. This approach is described as "edutainment," combining education, community engagement, and entertainment to create an environment where people can connect.
The Peace Rides have received support from the Los Angeles Police Department, which assists with safety along routes and at neighborhood stops. During the monthly rides, residents often come out to wave, make peace signs, and show support, reflecting the growing familiarity of the events in the communities they visit.
For over 14 years, the United in Peace Foundation, a multiethnic and multi-faith movement dedicated to reducing violence and strengthening communities, has organized these recurring events. The organization reports distributing more than 70,000 copies of The Way to Happiness and reaching over 2.4 million people through the events and related media coverage.
United in Peace points to encouraging changes in violence rates in communities where its events have taken place. An LAPD captain has noted that over the same 14-year period, the violent death rate in South Los Angeles decreased at times by as much as 40%. While many factors contribute to changes in community violence, United in Peace believes its sustained efforts to promote unity, engagement, and peaceful cooperation play a meaningful role.
In recognition of its work, mayors from multiple cities and members of Congress have issued commendations and proclamations over the years, acknowledging the organization's efforts to promote peace and address violence in communities.
