In a city as vast and diverse as Los Angeles, bridging divides between communities can be a daunting task. Yet, for over 14 years, the United in Peace Foundation has been doing just that through its monthly Peace Rides. These events, which combine motorcycle and automobile processions with community engagement, are designed to foster unity, encourage dialogue, and promote peace across neighborhoods, cultures, races, and faiths.
The Peace Rides bring together an eclectic mix of participants, including bikers, low-riders, clergy, community leaders, and members of car and motorcycle clubs. They travel through communities that have experienced violence or division, distributing peace-oriented materials such as The Way to Happiness booklet and the Million Man March pledge. The goal is to help people see one another as members of the same community, challenging perceptions that divide and taking meaningful steps toward peace.
At the conclusion of each ride, United in Peace hosts a Peace Festival, where residents and participants gather to celebrate. These festivals feature professional performers in hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, along with local talent. The organization describes this approach as "edutainment"—a blend of education, community engagement, and entertainment designed to create an environment where people can connect with one another.
The Peace Rides have received support from the Los Angeles Police Department, which assists with safety along the routes. Residents often come out of their homes and workplaces to wave, make peace signs, and show their support, reflecting the growing familiarity of the Peace Rides within the communities they visit. This visible community engagement underscores the importance of these events in fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual respect.
The impact of these efforts is notable. Over 14 years, United in Peace reports distributing more than 70,000 copies of The Way to Happiness, along with the Million Man March pledge, and reaching more than 2.4 million people through the events and related media coverage. More importantly, the organization 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.
The significance of the Peace Rides extends beyond the immediate events. They serve as a model for community-based violence prevention, demonstrating that grassroots efforts can complement law enforcement and other initiatives. The recognition from mayors and members of Congress, who have issued commendations and proclamations over the years, highlights the broader impact of these efforts. By bringing people together in a spirit of goodwill, the Peace Rides are not just events but catalysts for lasting change.
United in Peace welcomes organizations, community groups, congregations, civic leaders, and individuals who share a commitment to building safer, more connected communities. Nonprofit organizations that promote peace or provide services benefiting local communities may also apply to host an informational booth at the monthly Peace Festival. To learn more about the Peace Rides, upcoming events, or opportunities to participate, visit on Instagram@peacerideLA.
