For over 14 years, United in Peace has been organizing monthly Peace Rides through Los Angeles neighborhoods, bringing together bikers, low-riders, clergy, and community leaders to promote unity and dialogue across cultural and racial divides. These processions are more than just a show of solidarity; they are designed to engage residents directly, distributing peace-oriented materials such as The Way to Happiness booklet and the Million Man March pledge.
The rides traverse communities that have experienced violence or division, aiming to challenge perceptions and encourage residents to see each other as members of the same community. At the end of each ride, a Peace Festival is held, featuring professional performers in hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, along with local talent. The organization describes this as "edutainment," a blend of education, community engagement, and entertainment that facilitates connection.
The initiative has received support from the Los Angeles Police Department, which assists with safety along the routes. Residents often come out to wave and show support, indicating growing familiarity and acceptance. The impact of these efforts is reflected in statistics: an LAPD captain noted that violent death rates in South Los Angeles decreased by as much as 40% over the same 14-year period. While many factors contribute to such changes, United in Peace believes its sustained efforts play a meaningful role.
The organization reports distributing over 70,000 copies of The Way to Happiness and reaching more than 2.4 million people through events and media coverage. Mayors and members of Congress have issued commendations recognizing the organization's contributions to peace and violence reduction.
United in Peace welcomes participation from organizations, community groups, and individuals committed to building safer communities. Nonprofits promoting peace can apply to host informational booths at the monthly Peace Festival. For more information, follow on Instagram @peacerideLA. The Way to Happiness booklet, written by L. Ron Hubbard, is available at www.thewaytohappiness.org.
