On a sunny Sunday, June 2, 2024, the beachside city of Santa Monica buzzed with a unique blend of hip-hop beats and heartfelt conversations. In celebration of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Hip Hop 4 Peace, alongside the UNESCO Center For Peace, hosted the inspiring event "Rap 4 Peace: A Hip-Hop Gun Violence Awareness Conference."

Held at Shutters On The Beach and hosted by Fox 11 anchor Christine Devine, this event wasn't just another conference; it was a vibrant gathering of minds and hearts committed to making a difference. From hip-hop artists to peace advocates, the community came together to tackle the pressing issue of gun violence.

Bringing Peace to the Forefront

Hip Hop 4 Peace is on a mission to reduce gun violence and promote peace through the powerful medium of hip-hop culture. Founder Tina Marie Tyler passionately emphasized, “Peace is the foundation of hip-hop. This event brought together the culture and key changemakers as peacebuilders to ensure positive peace for this and future generations.”

The conference featured inspiring voices like California Attorney General Rob Bonta, hip-hop journalist Soren Baker, and Lil Eazy E of Ruthless Records, among others. Each speaker brought their unique perspective, highlighting the importance of unity and action in the fight against gun violence.

Honoring Heroes of Peace

The day didn't end there. Immediately following the conference, attendees moved to Casa Del Mar for the President's Volunteer Service Award Gala, hosted by Emmy Award-Winning KCAL News Anchor Chauncy Glover. This glamorous event celebrated individuals who have made exceptional contributions to volunteerism and peacebuilding.

Honorees included hip-hop legend Chuck D, who reminded everyone of the power of culture and technology in promoting peace. “When you write the songs and culture, and have it threaded through the industry and technology, you have something mightier than all the governments, especially when they're not being accountable or responsible.”

A Night to Remember

The gala was more than just speeches and awards. R&B artist GoGo Morrow delivered a captivating performance, adding a soulful touch to the evening. The atmosphere was electric, filled with hope and the shared commitment to a safer, more peaceful world.

Community and Industry Support

The success of Rap 4 Peace was made possible by generous sponsors like Deutsche Bank and Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Research and Education, alongside community partners such as the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and Universal Music Group.

A Bright Future

As the sun set over Santa Monica, the message was clear: through unity and the power of hip-hop, a peaceful future is possible. Events like these remind us that while the road to change may be long, together, we can make strides toward a world without gun violence.