Church Rally to Focus on Anti-Gang Message
Christian rap artists and mariachi bands will join forces Saturday at the third annual San Fernando Valley Street Beat Rally in a program designed to steer Valley youth away from drugs and violence.
“Each time it gets bigger, and we’re expecting up to 3,000 people this year,” said Arnold Madrid of Arleta Foursquare Church, which sponsors Street Beat with the aim of inspiring youth to choose positive lifestyles.
In addition to live music and testimonials from former gang members, including Foursquare’s own pastor, the Rev. Armando Portillo, the church plans to hand out 2,000 bags of groceries provided by PRO-VISION food ministry and clothing and toys for 500 children. Bicycles, tapes, compact discs and gift certificates to local restaurants will also be raffled.
The main thrust of the rally however, Madrid said, is to reach kids with the message that “if you resist the gang you can do great things with your life.”
To drive home that message, guests will hear from Portillo, who will talk about his experiences as a former gang member and drug addict.
Although Street Beat focuses on San Fernando Valley children, church youth groups will attend the rally from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, San Diego, Downey and other southern California cities, said Raymond Sierra, a church council member at Foursquare.
“We want to get people together here and just have a good, positive time,” Sierra said. “We’re trying to say this whole Valley belongs to everyone.”
Street Beat will run from 3 to 11 p.m. at Arleta Foursquare Church, 8025 Wheatland Ave., Sun Valley. For more information call (818) 753-8926.
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