Peace Rides LA: A Grassroots Movement Uniting Communities to Combat Violence

In communities too often defined by violence and division, the Peace Rides stand as a powerful symbol of hope, healing, and unity. Founded in the streets of South Central Los Angeles, United in Peace is a growing multiethnic, multifaith grassroots movement dedicated to bringing people together across neighborhoods and communities with one shared purpose: reducing violence and fostering lasting peace.

Driven by concerned citizens, community organizations, faith leaders, and volunteers, the United in Peace Foundation has spent more than fourteen years inspiring positive change through its signature Peace Rides—monthly events that unite people from all walks of life in a visible demonstration of solidarity, compassion, and community engagement.

Each Peace Ride brings together clergy, community leaders, neighborhood organizations, members of car clubs, motorcycle clubs, civic groups, and families who believe that peace is everyone's responsibility. Colorful processions of lowriders, motorcycles, Corvettes, classic cars, and community vehicles travel through neighborhoods impacted by violence, carrying a message that hope is stronger than fear and unity is stronger than division.

Along the route, participants stop to comfort families who have lost loved ones to violence, offering prayers, encouragement, and support. As part of the outreach, volunteers also give to families The Way to Happiness, the nonreligious common-sense guide to better living, written by humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard. These deeply meaningful moments remind communities that no family grieves alone and that healing begins when people stand together.

The rides conclude with a community rally featuring live entertainment, food and fellowship. Participants also share Million Man March pledge cards and other educational materials designed to encourage personal responsibility, respect for others, and positive decision-making.

The Peace Rides are more than organized events—they represent a movement built on the belief that lasting change begins with ordinary people choosing peace every day. Rather than focusing solely on violence, United in Peace invests its energy in strengthening communities through hope, cooperation, and mutual respect.

What began as local rides serving communities including Long Beach, Compton, Carson, and Inglewood has grown into a nationwide movement. Peace Rides and United in Peace Festivals have since been held in cities including Harlem, Oakland, Kansas City, and St. Louis, bringing together diverse communities around the shared vision of safer, stronger neighborhoods.

Community leaders and local officials have recognized the positive impact these gatherings have had in fostering dialogue, encouraging cooperation, and strengthening relationships among residents committed to building safer communities.

Since the movement's inception, the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has served as one of the founding supporters of the Peace Rides, providing sponsorship and ongoing support alongside the many volunteers, organizations, faith communities, and civic leaders who continue to make the movement possible.

United in Peace welcomes everyone—regardless of race, religion, culture, or background—who shares the vision of creating safer neighborhoods through compassion, understanding, and collective action.

The message is simple yet powerful: peace belongs to everyone, and together we can build communities where hope, respect, and unity prevail. United in Peace is more than a movement—it is a commitment to a better future.