Several of hip-hop's most influential figures have joined forces with New York Governor David Patterson to honor the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Industry mogul and Def Jam founder Russell Simmons, legendary producer Eric B., Salt of Salt-N-Pepa and several others will be meeting in Queens with peace activist Erica Ford and Governor Patterson, as they launch "Peace Week," a call to end violence in the streets.

"We lost too many to senseless violence. Martin Luther King called for non-violence and peace," "Peace Week" founder Erica Ford said. "[It's] time to 'Bury Da Beefs' and live at least a week of it in his [MLK's] memory."

"Peace Week" begins today (Jan. 15), Martin Luther King's birthday, and ends on Jan. 22. Scheduled events include a MLK celebration at Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network and a "Teen Peace Party" in Queens.

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