General Demographics

Racial Make-up of Compton

Although once a community primarily composed of African American residents, the community has now shifted to a majority of Hispanic/Latino residents. According to the Official Compton City website, in a population of 93,493 people, 40% are African American, 56.8% are Hispanic/Latino, 1% are White, and 1% Pacific Islander (based of 2000 Census).

Community Landmarks

Murals of Influential People

All over the city, there are motivational quotes and murals of influential people. The murals are a representation of the demographics of the community. For example, by the Compton City Hall, there are murals of Cesar Chavez, President Obama, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Heritage House

The Heritage House, on Willowbrook Avenue and Myrrh Street, is the oldest structure in Compton. It was built by early settlers in 1869 and is considered a State Historic Landmark.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Located in front of the Courthouse on Compton Blvd, this monument serves as symbol for the Compton City in remembrance of the late Martin Luther King Jr.

Businesses

"Birthing a New Compton"

While walking through the city, run down businesses are evident in this community. Moreover, many "Check into Cash" and "Bail Bond" businesses demonstrate the social economic status and needs of the community.

However, City Officials are trying to make Compton a place where residents can "Work, Play, Live, and Worship." Administration is heavily focused on the redevelopment of Compton. Some of the new businesses are Starbucks and TGI Fridays. The goal of bringing these businesses in is to provide employment, entertainment, and a sense of community.

Compton Blvd is one of the main streets in the city that harbors many of the businesses and redevelopment projects.

El Camino Compton Education Center

The El Camino Compton Education Center is the only higher education establishment in Compton and offers 4-year degrees as well as specialty trade schools. Previously Compton managed the Community College, however, due to the corruption in Compton governance, El Camino now has ownership of this school. Nevertheless, Compton is fighting to gain control of the Community College, which they describe as a Compton "Gem".

Cemetery

Angeles Abby Cemetery

Built in 1923 and survived through the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake, the Angeles Abby Cemetery is known for its Byzantine, Moorish and Spanish architecture. The cemetery was comprised of many adolescent and family headstones. The young deaths and family headstones with the same date of death may be attributed to gang violence. There were also a significant number of headstones with Hispanic/Latino names, which correlates the ethnic demographics. The upkeep of the Cemetery did not seem satisfactory with the presence of dead grass and the tire tracks over headstones.

Crime and Safety

The city of Compton has almost 350 documented gangs. The Compton Courthouse has a specific "gang unit" dealing with the high number of gang associated cases. Gang related graffiti was omnipresent in Compton. Mailboxes, walls of public institutions, private housing and sidewalks were noticeably tagged. The graffiti clearly depicted violence, indicating animosity between gangs.

Bars on windows, double doors, police presence, and homelessness were seen throughout the community. These characteristics may be associated with fear of violence, high crime, and economic turmoil. Nevertheless, many proud Compton residents, including lawyers, judges, and City Council Members, have fearlessly stayed in the community for years. On a whole, they blame the media for portraying Compton in a negative light.