As part of the festivities honoring the 30th anniversary of the L.A. uprising, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, 9th District Councilmember Curren Price, LAPA command staff and officers, and members of various factions of the Bloods and Crips noted another milestone – the 30th anniversary of the truce between the two gangs.
More than 1,000 people converged on South Park to celebrate the historic agreement between the two groups to stop killing and injuring each other. Black and Brown people of all ages enjoyed the music, food, and information booths hosted by Price’s office and other city departments.
“Welcome to the New Ninth,” shouted Price. “We have a lot to be grateful for and instead of wallowing in the past, we’re looking towards the future and that’s what this event is about. We have to come together is we’re serious about moving forward. I’m proud to be an elected leader in this area.”
Pastor Shep Crawford of Experience Christian Ministries played a key role in partnering with the city to present the event, which honored the nine OGs who initiated the truce as well as other peacemakers that have contributed to the cause in the ensuring years.
“Our goal is to turn this moment into a movement of community builders all-over South-Central L.A. We want representatives from each of the tribes to take 50-seconds to spread some love,” said Crawford, as he invited members of sects to share inspiring message with the audience.
“Today is a blessing and I want to say to the youngsters, a lot of ya’ll say that you’re not with the peace, but the peace we’re trying to push ain’t for us old dudes, it’s for ya’ll. So, let’s keep this peace going,” urged one of the original leaders of the truce.
Loco Mike said, “I live a couple of blocks from here and never been in this park unless it was for dumb stuff.”
Remarking about the uniqueness of the observance, Garcetti said, “Thirty years after the unrest in our city, everyone’s talking about what happened. But today, we celebrate what didn’t happen because of peace.
“This stage (filled with OGs) has brought life to this city and we are a testament to that today. When we decide to walk towards each other, not with a clinched fist, but with open hands and join hands, we can do anything,” insisted the mayor.
Minister Tony Muhammad said, “We can’t thank God enough for spreading His mercy and His spirit into this kind of gathering that we see today!”
“After 30 years, the truce is still holding and we’re still friends,” said Charles Rachal, who was one of the originators of the peace agreement.
Also offering remarks were male and female representatives of groups including Avalon Gangster Crips, Blood Stone Villains, Broadway Gangster Crips, East Coast Crips, Pueblos Bishop Bloods, 43 Gangster Crips, members of Kitchen Crips, Swan Bloods, and Rollin 30s Crips.
Expressing the feeling of those in attendance, Crawford said, “We love everyone and our glad that the Black people can come together in unity.”
Pastor Shep, known for his work in the community and specifically with local gangs has been hosting weekly empowerment meetings and peace talks at his church with the goal of helping to restore the gang truce, as well as providing opportunities and resources by building trusting alliances between the residents, gangs, and the faith-based community.
