The Los Angeles United in Peace Foundation relaunched its Peace Ride initiative for 2026 with a community event held in Compton, California, on April 14. The event brought together over 100 people, including members of various motorcycle and car clubs from different faiths and backgrounds, to promote peace and unity in neighborhoods affected by recent violence.
The gathering took place at a local parking lot where riders from groups such as the Chosen Few, Buffalo Soldiers, Ghetto Boyz, and Black Widow assembled. Many participants wore leather vests displaying badges commemorating loved ones lost to gang violence. Pastor David May of Lighthouse Community Church in Watts led the group in prayer before the ride began.
Participants traveled through South Central Los Angeles on motorcycles, low riders, corvettes, and three-wheeled vehicles known as slingshots before arriving at Gonzales Park in Compton. After parking their vehicles and taking photos together, attendees shared food under the park’s shade trees. Pastor Powe encouraged everyone to join future rides for peace scheduled on the fourth Sunday of each month to raise awareness about how community involvement can help reduce gang and gun violence. “This is why we ride. It takes one to save one. Are YOU the one?” Powe said.
During the event, a member of the Ghetto Boyz spoke about losing his 28-year-old son to a drive-by shooting after he had begun turning his life around with new employment opportunities ahead. Supported by a minister present at the event, he found some comfort reflecting on his son’s progress before embracing and thanking the minister for compassion during this difficult time.
Volunteers distributed copies of The Way to Happiness booklets—described as a non-religious guide promoting positive values—written by L. Ron Hubbard during outreach efforts at the gathering. The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has supported Peace Rides since their inception by providing funds, booklets, and moral support alongside founders.
