D.C. Youth Rally Around Anti-Violence Peace Ride on National Mall
Hundreds Expected to Attend Peace Ride to Prevent Youth Violence
Washington, DC, September 24, 2018 --(PR.com)-- On the heels of a continued national discussion on youth violence and an uptick of violent crimes against young people in the city, nearly 400 D.C. youth, community members, and performing artists will come together for the Third Annual Peace Ride Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on the National Mall to raise awareness about youth violence in the city.
The event is hosted by One Common Unity, a D.C.-based community nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of violence. The Peace Ride comes as a renewed discussion is happening in communities throughout the city on how to best curb youth violence. So far this year, gun homicides have increased by 17 incidents, according to data from the D.C. government. Young people, in particular, are often the victims.
"Youth in D.C. are four times more likely to die by homicide than by the next closest cause. One Common Unity believes events like the Peace Ride and arts-based programs can be utilized as a tool for self-expression, understanding, and healing,” said Hawah Kasat, executive director of One Common Unity. “As a community, we should all strive to nurture the youth’s ability to express themselves artistically rather than through violence or aggression.”
This annual Peace Ride is a rallying call in which participants will pedal to prevent violence. The community event will bring together riders and supporters from across the region who are committed to ending youth violence and building a better future through peace education, social-emotional literacy, creative arts, and mindfulness programming.
The day’s event kicks off at Base Camp, at 23rd St. and Constitution Avenue, NW, overlooking the Lincoln Memorial. From this symbolic starting point, riders will cycle along a pre-planned 19-mile loop, offering an opportunity to push themselves and support each other. The course offers opportunities to complete one or multiple loops, and also offers a shorter walk and family-friendly 6-mile route.
Day Long Activities for All Ages
Participants have an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful cycling route through iconic Washington, D.C., participate in yoga classes, as well as wellness and interactive art workshops. There will be live music and poetry performances by students and special guests throughout the day.
The Peace Ride is a day of sun, fun, and connection and open to all! All proceeds from this event support One Common Unity and its ongoing violence prevention programs in DC public schools. In D.C., violent crime is still 5.73 times the national average. D.C. crime statistics for 2015 showed that juvenile detentions for violent crimes are nearly five times the national average. Youth are four times more likely to die by homicide than by the next closest cause, the direct opposite of national statistics indicating that the leading causes of death in children are unintentional incidents.
The Peace Ride is made possible with support from Platinum Sponsor - Lululemon and our Bronze Sponsor – AmeriHealth Caritas. In addition, there are a number of Community Partners including: Pleasant Pops, Capital Bikeshare, Washington Sports Club, LimeBikes, MTO Kombucha, DayBreaker, SouthBlock Juicery, TaKorean, SoulCycle, Yoga District, Gearin’ Up Bicycles, and Mellow Mushroom.
Information & Calendar Listing
One Common Unity’s Third Annual Peace Ride
Saturday, September 29, 2018
9:00 am-5:00 pm EST
The National Mall
23rd St NW and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
Registration: peaceride2018.eventbrite.com
Facebook event: bit.ly/peaceride2018
Get social with us on Instagram and Twitter @OneCommonUnity
Website: www.ocupeaceride.com
About One Common Unity
One Common Unity (OCU) is a D.C. based non-profit with a mission to break cycles of violence and build compassionate, healthy communities through the transformative power of music, arts, and peace education.
The event is hosted by One Common Unity, a D.C.-based community nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of violence. The Peace Ride comes as a renewed discussion is happening in communities throughout the city on how to best curb youth violence. So far this year, gun homicides have increased by 17 incidents, according to data from the D.C. government. Young people, in particular, are often the victims.
"Youth in D.C. are four times more likely to die by homicide than by the next closest cause. One Common Unity believes events like the Peace Ride and arts-based programs can be utilized as a tool for self-expression, understanding, and healing,” said Hawah Kasat, executive director of One Common Unity. “As a community, we should all strive to nurture the youth’s ability to express themselves artistically rather than through violence or aggression.”
This annual Peace Ride is a rallying call in which participants will pedal to prevent violence. The community event will bring together riders and supporters from across the region who are committed to ending youth violence and building a better future through peace education, social-emotional literacy, creative arts, and mindfulness programming.
The day’s event kicks off at Base Camp, at 23rd St. and Constitution Avenue, NW, overlooking the Lincoln Memorial. From this symbolic starting point, riders will cycle along a pre-planned 19-mile loop, offering an opportunity to push themselves and support each other. The course offers opportunities to complete one or multiple loops, and also offers a shorter walk and family-friendly 6-mile route.
Day Long Activities for All Ages
Participants have an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful cycling route through iconic Washington, D.C., participate in yoga classes, as well as wellness and interactive art workshops. There will be live music and poetry performances by students and special guests throughout the day.
The Peace Ride is a day of sun, fun, and connection and open to all! All proceeds from this event support One Common Unity and its ongoing violence prevention programs in DC public schools. In D.C., violent crime is still 5.73 times the national average. D.C. crime statistics for 2015 showed that juvenile detentions for violent crimes are nearly five times the national average. Youth are four times more likely to die by homicide than by the next closest cause, the direct opposite of national statistics indicating that the leading causes of death in children are unintentional incidents.
The Peace Ride is made possible with support from Platinum Sponsor - Lululemon and our Bronze Sponsor – AmeriHealth Caritas. In addition, there are a number of Community Partners including: Pleasant Pops, Capital Bikeshare, Washington Sports Club, LimeBikes, MTO Kombucha, DayBreaker, SouthBlock Juicery, TaKorean, SoulCycle, Yoga District, Gearin’ Up Bicycles, and Mellow Mushroom.
Information & Calendar Listing
One Common Unity’s Third Annual Peace Ride
Saturday, September 29, 2018
9:00 am-5:00 pm EST
The National Mall
23rd St NW and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
Registration: peaceride2018.eventbrite.com
Facebook event: bit.ly/peaceride2018
Get social with us on Instagram and Twitter @OneCommonUnity
Website: www.ocupeaceride.com
About One Common Unity
One Common Unity (OCU) is a D.C. based non-profit with a mission to break cycles of violence and build compassionate, healthy communities through the transformative power of music, arts, and peace education.
Contact
One Common Unity
Joshua Garner
202-727-7427 ext. 100
www.ocupeaceride.com
Joshua Garner
202-727-7427 ext. 100
www.ocupeaceride.com
Contact
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