The 30th of this month marks one full year since Push 4 Peace was re-established by OCEAN Org LB and what a year it’s been.
What once began as an annual board giveaway has now transformed into a day-to-day creative mentorship program for the youth of Long Beach, powered by the spirit and freedom of skateboarding. It’s not just about boards anymore it’s about building relationships, fostering creativity, and keeping young people connected, inspired, and supported.
From Pop-Ups to a Movement
At the start of this year, our focus was simple: reintroduce ourselves to the new generation of skaters in the city. We showed up to parks with free gear, shared trick tips, and passed down oral history about Long Beach skate culture. Over time, these meet-ups became more regular especially at Lincoln and McBride Skateparks with kids inviting their friends and building a consistent crew.
This consistency taught us something important: even when we as organizers have goals, we must still listen deeply to what the youth are interested in. Every child brings something different to the table whether that’s tricks, tags, beats, or threads. So, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we created a structure that reflects their individuality:
- A group project to create their own skate brand
- One-on-one mentorship, on their terms, guided by their personal interests and goals
Participation in both is voluntary, but the heartbeat of the program is unity. Regular skate sessions and free skateboards keep the group connected and keep them out of trouble.
Enter: AfterLife
Seven months ago, one of our youth a talented artist from Poly High School sketched the word AfterLife into a concept. That sketch evolved into a brand. Since then, the youth have built AfterLife into a working project, creating their own:
- Skateboards
- Apparel
- Prints and stickers
- Digital content
- Brand identity
With support from the community merch buyers, donors, and local sponsors like Strong Beach Plumbing, LBS, and West Coast Glass Gallery AfterLife has already vended at local events like Community Sundays with Vuelalbc and launched an online presence via Depop.
Axel, one of our graduating seniors, is now working with us to help the group develop a website, open their first business account, and work toward turning AfterLife into a legitimate business entity. Some AfterLife boards now hang on the walls of homes and businesses across Long Beach a symbol of what happens when young people are given the tools, trust, and time to build.
Our goal is long-term: we want creativity and ownership to feel second nature to them by the time they reach adulthood.
Meeting the Youth Where They Are
Push 4 Peace isn’t just about group projects it’s about individual development. Not every participant wants to build a brand. Some just want to skate. Others are into fashion, film, editing, music, or even forms of expression like graffiti. Rather than judge or restrict, we aim to redirect showing them how those interests can turn into legitimate pathways: muralist, sign painter, videographer, stylist, or graphic designer.
- Donated clothing they can style, trade, or flip
- Camera and editing support
- Advice, connections, and gear when we can provide it
- Real talk, real options, real trust
This kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight. Our relationships are built for the long haul. We plan to be part of these youths lives well into adulthood, helping them stay grounded while they grow.
More Than Just a Program
In the past year, we’ve given out over 200 skateboards, along with mountains of clothing, shoes, and accessories. But it hasn’t stopped there. As things evolved, Push 4 Peace grew into a neighborhood support system helping parents get to work, escorting kids to school, even assisting with hospital bills and community resources.
What we thought would be a simple after-school program has become an evolving ecosystem one rooted in trust, creativity, and solidarity.
As we continue to grow, we invite you to support this movement.
Donate directly to OCEAN ORGLB or grab something from our Push 4 Peace merch drops. Every board, tee, and sticker helps us keep our local youth in a positive environment where they can build skill, trade, and income.Thank you to everyone who’s helped make this possible.
We’re not just pushing boards we’re pushing peace.