Get to know Los Angeles through the places that bring it to life. Rather, it perfectly highlights the spirit of Compton and its people: Despite characterizations of violence in pop culture portrayals, the residents of Compton shake off those misconceptions and rep their city with pride.
The Compton native has long made the city a focal point in his music and visual iconography. For decades, Compton has given the world icons and change-makers like mogul Dr. The city was incorporated in — the eighth to do so in the county. Prior to the s, Compton was predominantly white even as Black families moved to Los Angeles from the South, both to escape Jim Crow and in search of good manufacturing jobs.
R acially restrictive housing covenants banned Black and other nonwhite families from living in desirable neighborhoods and suburbs like Compton. Then in the s, the U. Supreme Court ruled that the covenants were illegal. Black families moved into Compton and white residents fled. Now, the city is largely Latino. Home to nearly , residents, Compton is filled with history. Williams , a prolific Black architect who apprenticed under Paul R. For decades, the midsize city of Compton struggled with an outsize reputation, seared into American pop culture as a place synonymous with gangs, drive-by shootings and gangsta rap.
Albums like N. While certain problems persist, such as economic development, issues with law enforcement and homelessness , the city has made significant strides in recent years, including lowering its crime rates. The transformation is palpable.
On Aug. He recognizes how far his hometown has come. I know the back streets and how to get through Compton, and so I just feel at home every time. They kept me out of trouble. From local farms to family-owned restaurants, colorful murals, open-mic nights, an energetic running club and more, this must be Compton. In the name of neighborly generosity, we included gems that may linger outside of technical parameters.
