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

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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.

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Contact Information:
One Common Unity
Joshua Garner
202-727-7427 ext. 100
Contact via Email
www.ocupeaceride.com

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: https://www.pr.com/press-release/765446

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