Straight Into Compton

Everyone has an opinion, and they're entitled to it. But, I can recite these facts: I grew up in Compton and attended Compton High. I have classmates who are now surgeons, attorneys, judges, professors, legislators and the like. We all grew up in the same environment - but our parents were probably what made the difference in our lives. Most of my friends came from two parent families - and we were punished for not doing our homework, but rewarded with Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm when we achieved. I think what I'm trying to say. is that you can take any environment and make it roses or cow chips, depending on who your role models are - and mine, like most of my class mates, were our parents - simple as that. I can't say that my experiences in Compton were all bad. Of course there were gangs, and I even remember a shooting at the school one year and being whisked from the campus to ensure my safety but I don't remember ever thinking that my situation was too hard or too tough to take. I'm a little tougher, a little smarter, a little more streetwise and a little more savvy than many I encounter - and I owe that to my roots, which were planted in Compton but watered and fertilized by my parents.

I can not believe this person who obviously don't even live close to Compton to know the real deal. If Compton is so changed why is it that every week we hear stories of crime, murder and etc... Before you write an article get your facts together all you have to do is go into our high schools and see the non-sense violence every day between Black and Hispanic. People (Black and Hispanic) we need to get our facts right. You all fighting over who is better, but I don't see either one living in a big hill.

Jessica.

I don't see how you can write such erroneous misinformation and call it "investigative journalism"? You failed to the tell the truth and by doing so you may have cost three people their lives. A shooting occurred over the weekend in the city you claimed: "Got it's groove back" What groove? What kind of Hollywood "feel-good" metaphor were you referring to?

Three people were maliciously gunned down and all you say is that "Compton got it's groove back"? It's irresponsible "writers" like you who have no idea what you are writing about. You sneak in during the day, see a few retail outlets, built on the outskirts of a ghetto and basically lied. Word got out that Compton was soft. Consequently, a few gangster from the hood took offense and went out Sat. night to prove that Compton is not the "feel-good" place that psychologically, you are a million miles away from.

Compton did not get anyback back. In fact it lost three residents. My bad. It did get two things back. The body bags and toe tags are back. How's that for a "feel-good" piece?

What transformed Compton was a progression as to the changes in South Los Angeles from 1946 to 1960. Many do not know that the communities in South Central were predominantly white until well into the 50's. High schools such as Manual Arts, Jefferson, Dorsey, and Fremont reflected this demographic. The first two homes my parents bought were near Peppedine College on Vermont. This was in the years shortly after World War 2. They then moved to Lakewood in 1952. Lakewood was a new community that welcomed only whites. Ironically, a high percentage of the first Lakewood residents were "White flyers" from Compton. The now illegal use of "Blockbusting" was rampant in Compton starting in the early 50's. Blame can be put on corrupt real estate agents for buying a home from whites at a discounted rate and then selling to a black family at a higher price. The agent would then canvas the neighborhood telling other whites that their equity, sense of tranquility and security would disappear. Of course, they than sold, and the cycle continued. It is interesting to note that in 1961 Compton had an all black high school (Centennial), an integrated high school (Compton High), and an all white high school (Dominguez). This reflected the "Color Line" at Alameda St. The neighborhoods west of Alameda were black, while east was white. It all changed after the Watts riots in the summer of 1965. The following year (1966) it was estimated that there were 3,000 homes and businesses that were abandoned. There was a book written about Compton at this time. It was called "Ill at ease in Compton". The author was keenly interested in Compton because of its overwhelmingly Democratic population based on the 1962 California elections. When he came out from back east to investigate this, he was shocked to see that the population was 50% black. (1963). He then returned after the riots to see what had transpired in the city. Interesting reading. The Watts riots tore the heart out of Compton. The other bordering communities such as Lynwood, South Gate, Paramount, Gardena, and North Long Beach followed suit but in a much less dramatic way.

Note that in the below statistics re Murder offenders White is 5,278, Black is 6,463, Other is 245 Unknown is 5,054 out of 17,040 total. See http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2007/offenses/expanded_information/data/shrtable_03.html.

But Whites (including Hispanics) make up about 80% of the population yet they have less murder offenders in absolute terms and proportuionally. Note that the Hispanic population of Compton has increased greatly in the last 15 years displacing much of the Black population. Also note the decrease in crime in Compton in the last 15 years.

I have such fond memories of growing up in Compton, the Hub City. My mother's family moved to Compton in 1922, and my immediate family lived at 411 N. Locust until 1968 when I was 20 years old. This story about the rebirth of Compton brings great joy to me. I am a proud graduate of Manuel Dominguez High School and the class of 1966. For our 40th reunion in 2006, we took a tour of Dominguez High School and many of our other favorite places in Compton. I hope the future generations of Compton will be able to look back upon their youth in this great city as I do.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2009, 9:00 AM ELEVATE YOUR GAME A MENTORING PROGRAM AT COMPTON HS. IS SPONSORING A WALKATHON TO RAISE MONEY FOR THEIR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM. GAME STANDS FOR GRADES, ATTENDANCE, MATURITY, AND EMPOWERMENT. COME WALK WITH US AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A YOUTHS LIFE. DO MORE THAN TALK ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM BU LOGING ON TO ELEVATE YOUR GAME .ORG YOU CAN MAIL YOUR CHECK TO
ELEVATE YOUR GAME
P.O. BOX 5281
COMPTON, CA 90224

SATURDAY MARCH, 28, 2009, 9:00 AM, ELEVATE YOUR GAME, A MENTORING PROGRAM AT COMPTON HS. IS SPONSORING A WALKATHONE TO RAISE MONEY FOR THEIR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM. GAME STANDS FOR GRADES, ATTENDANCE, MATURITY, AND EMPOWERMENT. COME WALK WITH US AND PUT YOUR MONEY ON A YOUTH DOING WHAT HE IS SUSPOSED TO BE DOING. MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND TOUCH A YOUTH. SEE ELEVATE YOUR GAME.ORG

if we historicize this issue....(just my thoughts), the CPT, because it is on former Mexican territory went from Mexican to white, to black, and now its mostly Mexican again with a strong Af American presence. I think that what Compton has to be REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL careful of is gentrification. That is, in most black and brown inner cities in the U.S., middle to upp middle class whites have come in, built 600k condos and pushed the former community to the boonies because of the high property taxes that come with that...the HUB location is really attractive....if some good private schools go up and the city gets more safe or builds many gated communities, you will see gentrification kick in.....godo press can be dangerous...but i am not suggesting a multi-ethnic and white mix is bad, I'm just trying to add my 2 cents on how Capitalism works in twisted ways to punish the poor

I am a product of the Compton school system. A proud Compton High Tarbabe! (for the meaining of Tarbabe, check out a couple of the Blog messages on www.ComptonHighAlumni.org). Proud of the COMPTON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (again, check out www.ComptonHighAlumni.org). I've done well for myself. My income is well above average. Have lived in an upper class community for the past 20 years. Guess what?! I'm moving STRAIGHT BACK TO COMPTON!! Imagine what Compton would be like if those of us moved back to be part of the solution? Yes, Compton has had its problems -- what urban community dosen't?? There are a lot of very nice areas in Compton. Some of my classmates never left. I never thought I'd move back there, but the Lord has a way of making us change our mind, so I'm moving STRAIGHT BACK TO COMPTON to help make a difference. My motto is Proverbs 3:5,6, which says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Again, I'm being directed straight back to Compton, and I'm proud of it. I've been blessed -- it's time I share the blessings by being only one of the positive individuals to make a difference.

Beautiful thing they're doing there in Compton. Perhaps someone would like to show Detroit how this can be accomplished. I have a feeling, Detroit will be taking over many of Comptons former titles.

Beautiful thing thats happening in Compton! Could someone in Detroit pay attention?

As a graduate of Compton High, I am happy and proud to speak (anywhere) of my Alma Mater. Also, I believe credit should go those Compton alums who have contributed time and money to organizations such as Elevate Your Game and the Alumni Association in general for reaching back (from all parts of the country - we're out here) to help our beloved city move forward. Thanks to Deb. Spottsville, Kelvin Filer, and many others who keep us all on the same page.

Thank you Newsweek.
Gwen Davis - CHS, class of 1969
Cameron Mills, New York

I actually thought this article should be looked at as inspiring. It is really good to hear that the murder rate has dropped so significantly. Why bring up all the racist BS. Give the city some credit where credit is due. The members of that community are obviously trying to better themsleves (be they black, white, or brown), and their town, congrats.

i remember trying to take some classes at Compton community college as a 16 year old and when i would walk to the parking lot in 1990's, someone had to be shootin' I was trying to walk the professor to his car to get an A, but man, we almost lost our heads a couple of times. It was crazy, even in the college area. I also remember my friends were like, "hey man, you going to college an all that, don't ride in the care with us, somebody might get all of us because we're kind of involved in some thingz"....helicopters looking for the murder that was normal ....i have not heard that loud chopper noise like 6 years (im not in CALI anymore)......there are so many project like spots out there, its unbelievable....but, i do agree, the majority of folk are doing the right thing...its just that drama remains hot