South Los Angeles Thrives on Kendrick Lamar’s Philosophy

USC sociology professor Manuel Pastor, co-author of a study on Latino engagement in historically African-American South L.A., applies the self-love philosophy of rapper Kendrick Lamar, a Compton native, to South L.A., concluding that probably more than any other single factor, it’s the dedication, resilience and love of the area’s residents that has fueled the community’s successes.

The Secret to South L.A.’s Success Is That It Loves Itself

Local Leaders Discuss Protecting the Community’s Rich Past and Promoting Its Bright Future

It’s one thing to put in the hard work to improve a community, but when do you declare success?

In long-maligned South Los Angeles, that time is now, said a panel …

Cruising South Central Avenue

Photographs Capture the Beauty and Change of One of L.A.'s Most Dynamic Corridors

South Los Angeles, a big and diverse place of 30-some neighborhoods, used to be known as South Central. And South Central’s name, while reflecting the geography of South L.A. as …

Life Lessons From South L.A.’s Most Influential “Rag Man”

Renowned Artist John Outterbridge Has Spent Decades Mining His Surroundings for Material

John Outterbridge has spent more than eight decades noticing, saving, and recombining parts of his surroundings. It’s an artistic method. His sculptures bring together different found materials, and the resulting …

The Little Dry Cleaning Shop Around the Corner

When I Took Over My Family's Business on South Central Avenue in 1994 I Had Two Struggles: The Business and South L.A.

When the property owners on historic South Central Avenue (from Washington Boulevard to Vernon Avenue) started one of the first Business Improvement Districts in South L.A., I was surprised to …

What Did It Take to Clean Up South L.A.? $600 Million and Cooperation

Los Angeles Council Districts Banded Together to Attend to the Region’s Needs From Sweeping Alleys to Creating Jobs

As a public works commissioner for the city of Los Angeles, I would always hear residents say, “We pay taxes, why aren’t our trees trimmed, streets cleaned, and sidewalks repaired …