In a city as sprawling and diverse as Los Angeles, fostering genuine connections across neighborhoods can be a challenge. United in Peace, a multiethnic and multi-faith foundation, has spent over 14 years addressing this through its monthly Peace Rides. These events are more than just processions of motorcycles and cars; they are deliberate efforts to bring residents together, encourage dialogue, and bridge divides of culture, race, and faith.
Each ride assembles 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 like The Way to Happiness booklet and the Million Man March pledge. The goal is simple: to help people see one another as members of the same community and foster understanding, respect, and cooperation. By venturing beyond familiar neighborhoods, the rides aim to challenge perceptions that divide and take meaningful steps toward peace.
At the conclusion of each ride, a Peace Festival is held, inviting residents and participants to celebrate together. These festivals feature professional performers in hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, along with local talent. The organization describes the approach as "edutainment"—a blend of education, community engagement, and entertainment that creates an environment where people can connect on a personal level.
The Peace Rides have gained support from the Los Angeles Police Department, which assists with safety along the routes and at neighborhood stops. During the rides, residents often come out of their homes and workplaces to wave, make peace signs, and show support—a testament to the growing familiarity and acceptance of the rides within the communities they visit.
Over the years, the impact has been notable. United in Peace reports distributing more than 70,000 copies of The Way to Happiness and the Million Man March pledge, reaching over 2.4 million people through events and media coverage. Perhaps more significantly, an LAPD captain has 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 changes in community violence, United in Peace believes its sustained efforts to promote unity and peaceful cooperation play a meaningful role.
The organization has also received commendations from mayors and members of Congress, recognizing its contributions to peace and violence prevention. United in Peace welcomes organizations, community groups, congregations, civic leaders, and individuals who share a commitment to building safer, more connected communities. Nonprofits that promote peace or provide community services may apply to host an informational booth at the monthly Peace Festival.
For more than 14 years, the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has supported the rides by providing The Way to Happiness booklets, written by L. Ron Hubbard. The booklet, available at thewaytohappiness.org, serves as a cornerstone of the peace-oriented materials distributed during the events.
As Los Angeles continues to grapple with issues of violence and division, the Peace Rides stand as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustained, community-driven efforts can foster meaningful change. By bringing people together in a spirit of goodwill, United in Peace is helping to build a more united and peaceful city, one ride at a time.
