The Region - News from Oct. 9, 1986

The “rap” music group Run-D.M.C. and singer Barry White have called for “a day of peace” among gangs in Los Angeles County today. The entertainers were to join officials from the Community Youth Gang Services Project in speaking out against gang violence during a radio broadcast scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m on KDAY. Listeners will be invited to call in and talk to the entertainers. “Kids listen to us before they listen to their parents or teachers,” Joseph Simmons, 21, who is “Run” in Run-D.M.C, told a news conference. “Maybe we can help young people who are thinking of joining gangs, using or dealing drugs . . . to think of some alternatives.” Youth Gang Services officials said they plan to follow up the radio program with negotiations for a cease-fire during the Christmas season. Run-D.M.C. offered to help the gang services agency after a concert they were to perform in Long Beach was marred by gang violence that resulted in 40 injuries in August.