Each month, United in Peace organizes Peace Rides that traverse Los Angeles and surrounding areas, aiming to bridge divides and foster unity among residents. These events are more than just motorcycle and automobile processions; they are intentional efforts to bring people together, engage communities, and encourage dialogue across neighborhoods, cultures, races, and faiths.
The Peace Rides bring together a diverse group of participants, including bikers, low-riders, clergy, community leaders, car and motorcycle clubs, and concerned citizens. 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 simple yet profound goal is to help people see one another as members of the same community, fostering greater understanding, respect, and cooperation.
At the conclusion of each ride, United in Peace hosts a Peace Festival where residents and participants gather to celebrate together. These festivals feature professional performers in hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, along with local talent. The organization describes its approach as "edutainment," combining education, community engagement, and entertainment in an environment conducive to connection.
The Peace Rides have garnered support from the Los Angeles Police Department, which assists with safety along designated routes and neighborhood stops. During the monthly rides, residents frequently come outside 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.
For over a dozen years, the United in Peace Foundation, a multiethnic and multi-faith movement dedicated to reducing violence and strengthening communities, has organized these recurring events. Over 14 years, the organization 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.
United in Peace also 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.
Mayors from multiple cities and members of Congress have issued commendations and proclamations over the years, recognizing the organization's efforts to promote peace and address violence in communities. The Peace Rides continue to serve as a powerful example of grassroots community engagement, demonstrating that sustained, collaborative efforts can make a tangible difference in reducing violence and building safer, more connected neighborhoods.
