Humans of Compton California: A New Community Center

 

I am trying to get this project off the ground called the Humans of Compton California. The idea came in two folds, 1. When fellow writer, Nathan Masters, wrote about how two US Presidents previously lived in Compton, and 2. The enormously popular Humans of New York Instagram account that gives the public a glimpse into the lives of everyday New Yorkers. After reading Master’s article, my interest peaked, and I started digging for more information on Compton California. I came up with almost next to nothing as online information is scarce. Additionally, there are no real (and/or consistent) blogs that I could find through Google search solely dedicated to the city. There is very shocking since 6 out of 10 Americans are bloggers, and there are not blogs coming out of Compton (If you know of any blogs strictly dedicated to Compton, please list them below).

So I am sure if you’re reading this most likely you are not from Compton, and here out of pure curiosity. Let me take this opportunity to present a few facts. Compton California is notorious in name, but not in crime rate. Currently, Compton is not in the top 10 or 20 as far as most dangerous cities in the United States goes. The city has experienced a steady decline in crime since 2000. However, due to the popularity of the 1980s gangster rap movement, Compton continues to be associated with gang culture and suffer from a negative image. Is Compton perfect? No, of course not and there is no city that is. But if Camden New Jersey and Detroit Michigan can have a blog ran by the city and several bloggers that write exclusively about the city, then so can Compton California. I envision a website that tells a new story.

My goal with this new project is to produce online content that features small businesses and former and current residents. I would love to see the official City of Compton website initiate a Social Media Campaign in attempts to makeover the city’s image. The website could add a Blog, Twitter, FaceBook, and Instagram account. Of course that would mean someone would have to monitor those accounts on a daily basis. I am hoping that someone from the current regime could plant the seeds for this initiative, and stay consistent at maintaining it. I absolutely have no political aspirations (freelance writing is much more fulfilling, loll), and am not looking for anything outside of helping to establish an online presence for the city. I am going to try working with the local government first. If that doesn’t work, then I will seek out other writers who are interested in contributing to a community run blog site.

Yesterday, I attended the opening of the new Compton Community Center. I toured the facility on my own, and was able to read about the complete history of the City of Compton. I was so blown away by the facts that turned up such as how the land was discovered, bios of the pioneers, and pictures of the way it used to be prior to the crack epidemic that tore through not just Compton California, but most cities in the US.

 

 

The Compton Community Center was established in 1986, and was set up as an after school refuge to deter children away from drugs and gangs. It quickly became a popular choice for both Senior Citizens and other members of the community. Fast forward to now, the new 30,000 square feet, facility will provide programing and activities for the entire community. I will report back later with more information as it becomes available. Below you will find a few pictures from the event. Wish me luck as I pursue this project.