The United in Peace Foundation, founded in the streets of South Central Los Angeles, is making strides in its mission to reduce violence and foster unity through its signature Peace Rides. These monthly events bring together diverse communities in a visible demonstration of solidarity, aiming to heal neighborhoods often defined by violence and division.
Each Peace Ride features processions of lowriders, motorcycles, Corvettes, classic cars, and community vehicles traveling through impacted areas. Participants, including clergy, community leaders, and families, stop to comfort those who have lost loved ones to violence, offering prayers and support. Volunteers also distribute The Way to Happiness, a nonreligious guide to better living written by L. Ron Hubbard, to families along the route.
The rides conclude with community rallies featuring live entertainment, food, and fellowship, along with distribution of Million Man March pledge cards and educational materials promoting personal responsibility and positive decision-making. The movement emphasizes that lasting change begins with ordinary people choosing peace daily, investing in hope, cooperation, and mutual respect.
What began as local rides in Long Beach, Compton, Carson, and Inglewood has grown into a nationwide movement. Peace Rides and United in Peace Festivals have been held in Harlem, Oakland, Kansas City, and St. Louis, drawing diverse communities together around the vision of safer neighborhoods. Community leaders and officials have recognized the positive impact of these gatherings in fostering dialogue and strengthening relationships.
Since its inception, the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has been a founding supporter, providing sponsorship and ongoing support alongside many volunteers and organizations. United in Peace welcomes everyone, regardless of background, who shares the vision of creating safer communities through compassion and collective action.
The message is clear: peace belongs to everyone, and together we can build communities where hope, respect, and unity prevail. For more information, visit the Church of Scientology website.
