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.