by KYW's Karin Phillips

The House of Umoja is approaching its 40th anniversary with a new campaign that combines the work for peace and helping the environment.  

In 1968, Queen Mother Falaka Fattah (right) and her husband David founded the House of Umoja, which, six years later, successfully negotiated a peace pact among warring gangs in Philadelphia. 

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the House of Umoja has launched a "Think Green Peace" campaign, which will combine peace-making and greening on a number of levels. Queen Mother Fattah:

"Our children are our seeds. So we look at the young people in terms of their growth and development. And we're celebrating life instead of concentrating on death. Green is also for economic development."

Green is also, says Fattah, for transforming vacant lots in the Carroll Park section of Philadelphia. 

There will be several events this year leading up to the September 22nd anniversary. For more information, go to www.houseofumoja.org.