Photo Credit : Zion Laster (@zilaroid)
This past weekend, Newark came together for its 15th annual 24 Hrs. of Peace Festival, a free 24-hour celebration of hip hop, community, and non-violence. From Friday, September 5th at 6 p.m. through Saturday, September 6th at 6 p.m., South 10th Street and Central Avenue in the city’s West Ward were alive with music, art, and unity. This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup that included DaBaby, Jadakiss, Kool G Rap, Jacquees, RL, Case, Scarlip, 41, DJ Lil Man, and DJ Taj & Friends, along with Newark’s own poets, ensembles, and DJs.
Photo Credit : Zion Laster (@zilaroid)
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka first launched the festival 15 years ago while serving as South Ward Council Member. The festival is part of a larger effort under Mayor Baraka’s administration to treat violence as a public health issue. Initiatives such as the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR), Community Street Teams, and the Shani Baraka Women’s Center have helped reduce homicides in Newark by more than 60 percent since 2014, earning national recognition from former President Barack Obama. This festival is a celebration of that milestone, reflecting on the progress Newark has made while reaffirming the community’s ongoing commitment to peace.
“In Newark, we continue our mission of violence prevention, never resting on the laurels of having reduced violence to levels not seen in generations,”
— Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka
“In Newark, we continue our mission of violence prevention, never resting on the laurels of having reduced violence to levels not seen in generations,” said Mayor Baraka. “This annual 24-hour event merges Newark’s vibe with the vibrations of hip hop, creating a synergy that yields powerful transformation and celebration. It is a highlight in our year’s long, daily efforts toward harmony and care for one another.”
Photo Credit : Zion Laster (@zilaroid)
