‘Peace At The Plate’ Combats Sac Youth Gang Violence Through Softball
OBSERVER Staff Report
The youth of Oak Park and Del Paso Heights came together for a friendly game of softball June 21 at Doc Oliver Field in William Land Park. The event, hosted by Sacramento youth organization Ceaze the Moment, celebrated Juneteenth and aimed to bring camaraderie among two communities facing gang violence.
The event was spearheaded by Julius Douglas, chief executive officer of Ceaze the Moment. He aimed to steer younger members of Oak Park and Del Paso Heights away from the history of gang violence between the communities.
“We put the game together to show the youth we can come together, we can be together, and we’re not enemies,” Douglas said.
The event had a turnout of about 200 people, a lot of them local youth. Several sponsors and community leaders attended, including Rebranding You Inc., Latrice Peay and Co. Real Estate, and even Sacramento City Unified School District board member Michael Benjamin.
“Peace at the Plate” was held for the fourth year in a row despite pushback from both Oak Park and Del Paso Heights members who were against a more peaceful union. The event has had a higher turnout with each passing year.
Rebranding You Inc. Principal Officer Larry Craig said such events were needed after the recent gun violence plaguing the two areas, which sometimes resulted in the passing of loved ones. Craig considered the event a “great success” despite controversy.
“It was such a positive vibe,” Craig said. “Everyone was just out there loving on each other.”
Oak Park won the game 15-10, but Douglas and Craig considered the night a win for everybody. Douglas hopes to hold the event next year, with more attendees and more sponsors.
“At the end of the day, we all won because we all came together,” Douglas said.
PHOTO GALLERY
Sacramento event aims for peace with friendly softball game
Photos by Louis Bryant III The youth of Oak Park and Del Paso Heights came together for a friendly game of softball to celebrate Juneteenth and to bring camaraderie among two communities facing gang violence. The event, hosted by Sacramento youth organization Ceaze the Moment, was spearheaded by Julius Douglas, and had a turnout of…
