‘Peace At The Plate’ Uses Softball to Steer Sacramento Youth Away from Gangs

On June 21, the youth of Oak Park and Del Paso Heights united for a spirited softball match at Doc Oliver Field in William Land Park. Organized by the Sacramento-based initiative, Ceaze the Moment, this event commemorated Juneteenth while fostering unity between two neighborhoods grappling with gang-related issues. Julius Douglas, the CEO of Ceaze the Moment, led the effort to redirect young individuals from the troubling legacy of gang violence characterizing their communities. The event, attended by approximately 200 participants, showcased local youth and welcomed various sponsors and community figures such as Rebranding You Inc. and Sacramento City Unified School District board member Michael Benjamin. Despite previous resistance to a peaceful alliance, “Peace at the Plate” marked its fourth successful year with increasing participation. Principal Officer Larry Craig emphasized the necessity of such gatherings amid rising gun violence. Oak Park emerged victorious with a score of 15-10, but both Douglas and Craig deemed the evening a collective triumph, envisioning an even larger event next year.