Learn How Hakim Green Utilizes The Annual 24 Hours of Peace Movement To Promote Peace, Love, and Unity In The Community

(Newark, NJ) – For over a decade, the 24 Hours of Peace movement has been a cornerstone of community healing and unity in Newark, NJ. Co-founded by Hip Hop artist and activist Hakim Green, the annual event uses the power of Hip Hop to promote peace, love, and unity while addressing systemic issues like violence and inequality.

Visionary Hakim Green contemplating peace at a crossroad.

Hakim Green, a member of the iconic Hip Hop group Channel Live, explains the heart of the movement: “24 Hours of Peace is about peace, love, unity, and safely having fun. These are the core principles of Hip Hop culture. We use this festival to elevate the community and bring people together.”

The festival, which runs for 24 hours straight, was created in 2010 under the guidance of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was then a councilman and principal at Central High School. Green recalls the origins of the event: “The event was created to support the anti-violence work being done by the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition and the Nation of Islam. We brought Hip Hop to the forefront to accentuate and elevate that work.”

Hakim Green & Amiri Baraka Jr. conducting a walkthru before 24 hrs of Peace event in 2024.

Each year, the festival features a mix of legendary and emerging Hip Hop artists, along with health and wellness activities, yoga sessions, spoken word performances, and community town halls. Past performers have included KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Queen Latifah, and Jadakiss, among many others. This year’s lineup promises to be just as dynamic, with performances from G-Dep, Kool G Rap, and local Newark artists.

Green emphasizes the festival’s mission: “We do this with a lot of love. It’s about using Hip Hop to elevate the culture and create a safe space for the community to thrive.”

Event flyer of the 2025 lineup of 24 hrs of Peace

The 24 Hours of Peace movement has become a yearly tradition, drawing thousands of attendees and fostering a culture of nonviolence and empowerment. For more information, visit 24HRSOFPEACE, INC. or follow them on social media.

Hakim Green’s dedication to Hip Hop and community activism continues to inspire, proving that music and culture can be powerful tools for change.