Rival Gangs Declare Peace in South Los Angeles

The Church of Scientology Community Center was the site of a historic summit of gang leaders held Sunday, July 17, in the name of peace. Now a new video and weekly conflict resolution meetings are giving a future and substance to the dream shared by the 2,500 people who attended the summit.

History was made as rival Southern California gang leaders met at the Church of Scientology Community Center in South Los Angeles July 17 to discuss making peace on the streets.

Famous rapper and actor The Game ignited it with his Instagram invitation: “On behalf of myself @SnoopDogg, & the honorable @louisfarrakhan” he called on “all CRIPS, BLOODS, ESE’s & all other gang members, major figures & GANG LEADERS from every hood in our city…to have the much needed conversation amongst ourselves about our influence on the youth in our respective neighborhoods & how we can serve as better role models to them & the brothers we stand beside daily.”

Some 2,500 responded to his invitation by arriving at the summit. The message was carried throughout the community by announcements on 92.3 FM/REAL by radio host Big Boy, flyers put out by scores of community groups and churches, and word of mouth.

The Game was joined by Will.i.am, Big Boy, rapper the Problem, Nation of Islam Minister Tony Muhammad, who organized the event, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Police Chief Charles Beck and religious leaders of diverse denominations.

It was a gathering of rival gang members, cops, gang interventionists, and the families and friends of gang victims. Yet through the entire afternoon, not a single act of violence took place.

When Minister Tony Muhammad called on all who want peace and unity to raise their fists, every arm was raised. He described what they accomplished this day as being “like the cracking of an atom. It sparked something in everybody. It sparked the spirit of hope that once again we’re at a pivotal point in our history and we can make a difference in our own community.”

“When it’s a gun pointed at you, and it’s cocked back,
and you know the only thing standing between you and the gun is God, why you wait until then to start praying, wishing, hoping.”

The next step, a strategy session and conflict resolution workshop, was scheduled for July 21, at the Scientology Community Center.

The Game put the violence in perspective when he said, “When it’s a gun pointed at you, and it’s cocked back, and you know the only thing standing between you and the gun is God, why you wait until then to start praying, wishing, hoping. It only takes a second to lose your life.” And he pointed out that peace in South L.A. will spread, because L.A. writes the passage for everything that happens, positive or negative.

Founder of the Detours gang intervention organization, Rev. Benny “Taco” Owens, said “I’ve never seen a crowd like this unless I was in prison or a chow hall. I see a lot of faces that I’ve never seen come together like this before.... This is a very, very critical moment in our city and our lives.”

In a graphic example of change, a Blood and a Crip took off their red and blue T-shirts, handed them to each other and embraced in friendship.

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The second chapter in this movement was written Thursday, July 21, beginning with a video published by The Game and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck. 

“Last year in the city of Los Angeles, almost 1,000 people were shot. Almost 300 of them died,” begins the police chief, who points out that 80 percent of the victims and 80 percent of the shooters were young men of color.

“We have to be more positive. We have to stop killing one another,” says The Game. “Let’s unite. Make a difference. Be the change.”

And the movement continued that evening with a strategy conference and conflict resolution workshop at the Scientology Community Center attended by community activists determined to keep the passion for peace alive.

Community Center Director Stormy Stokes opened the program by pointing out that this community has already shown that it can be the change.

“It has been proven over and over again with our Peace Rides over the past four years that our peace materials—The Way to Happiness booklets and The Million Man March Pledge—bring down crime when they are distributed in great volume throughout this city. In 2014, the homicide rate went down to its lowest point in more than 50 years. So now we are going to do it again.”

Ms. Stokes announced that this event will be the first of weekly conflict resolution workshops at Community Center. “We will make our city a safer place for our families and children.”