Think Outside Da Block (TODB) will host its highly anticipated “Roll N Peace 13: Eat N Peace Edition” on Friday, June 12, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Ogden Park Fieldhouse, 6500 S. Racine Ave.
Roll N Peace is an eight-mile evening bike ride through Greater Englewood that intentionally travels through historic landmarks, community corridors and areas most impacted by violence. The initiative was created to build community awareness, reclaim public spaces, and promote peace through movement, wellness, and collective action. According to Chicago Police 007th District data and former district commanders, there have been no reports of violent crime in the District on the days Roll N Peace events have taken place.
Now in its 13th installment, Roll N Peace has become a powerful community tradition that brings together youth, families, seniors, community leaders, and organizations to celebrate Englewood through joy, unity, and healing.
“Roll N Peace provides an opportunity for community members to push past the media’s cliché depiction of Englewood’s violent reputation and create a new narrative for the place that Greater Englewood residents call home,” said Think Outside Da Block organizers.
This year’s “Eat N Peace Edition” will place a strong emphasis on health, food justice and wellness. Prior to the ride, community members will have the opportunity to learn about harmful food ingredients, healthy food alternatives, food sovereignty, and community power through partnerships with local growers, food advocates, and Englewood-based organizations working toward food justice.
The activation will also feature:
• A free community resource fair open to the public.
• Free bike repair services provided by Working Bikes.
• A giveaway of 100 bikes for youth participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Free bike rentals for participants through a partnership with Divvy Bikes and Lyft.
The official ride rollout will begin at 7 p.m., as participants embark on an eight-mile journey throughout the Englewood community. The evening will conclude back at Ogden Park Fieldhouse with free healthy food and continued community fellowship.
Overall this event aims to: Increase physical activity among residents through cycling while supporting mental wellness; Expose community members to healthier food alternatives and food justice initiatives; Deter community violence and address community trauma; Introduce cycling as a reliable means of transportation; Connect residents to critical resources and services; Strengthen relationships among community members, leaders, stakeholders and local businesses; Foster positive interactions between residents and law enforcement and Provide participants an opportunity to experience their neighborhood in a positive light.
TODB is also proud to announce a partnership with The Annie E Casey Foundation – Community Safety Participant Convening to help scale the reach and impact of Roll N Peace 13. Community Violence Intervention frontline workers and participants from 15 cities across the country will join the ride as the culminating event of their convening.
This year’s event will be hosted by Leon Rogers — comedian, actor, writer and co-host of the WGCI Morning Show. Community members are encouraged to participate, volunteer, or support the event.
For more information and ways to support this event, visit thinkoutsidedablock.org.