The city of Newark held its annual “24 Hours of Peace” event to try to stop the spread of violence in the city.

The event featured many celebrities with roots in Newark, including Queen Latifah. The event’s goal is to bring about positive change and to put an end to crime and violence.

This is the 13th year that the city is hosting the event. It started at 6 p.m. and will run through 6 p.m. Saturday. Residents can expect to see vendors, food trucks, STEM activities for kids and a movie showing at midnight.

Event organizers say the event is more than just entertainment, it's an opportunity for residents to unite, get access to resources and to be a part of the conversation on how to curb the violence in the city. They say they use hip hop culture to engage people in the community – especially young people – in conversations about how to stop violence in Newark.

"Stop the violence. Peace. And that's what we're all about. We want to see more of that. And I hope that people will come together and get the message,” says Bernice Lee, of Newark.

"It's a very nice gesture. It's a good appreciation for what Newark is and what we're about,” says resident Lamar Jenkins.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is also participating in the event.