8/13/2023 0 Comments City of compton history![]() ![]() They also played a prominent role in the founding of the American West. The lasting narrative is that cowboys are white, but in fact, one in four cowboys in the U.S. That was a part of the story that wasn't told to me in school, and I felt like it was a part of history that I would have wanted my teachers to have told me about - and it never was.” Anthony having a moment with his horse, Dakota. “But also seeing black men on horses, to me, was very important. “I'm the son of a black man and Mexican mother, and so for me, I grew up seeing Mexican cowboys, a lot like brown men on horses, was a normal thing,” he says. ![]() Thompson-Hernández would roll down his window to hear the click-clacking of the horses hooves on the concrete.Īnd it was only as he got older that Thompson-Hernández realized these men on horses signified something even deeper: the endless possibilities of what he could do in this world as a black man. He was about five or six in the backseat of his mom's car, and there was this cowboy riding bareback with a quiet confidence, his back long and strong, taking command of this urban landscape. He says he still remembers the first time he saw one of the Compton Cowboys on a horse. “People honk at them like, 'Hey, black cowboys! You guys looking great. “Everyone stops them for photos,” he says. Thompson-Hernández grew up about 10 minutes from the city, and he says black cowboys were like “local superstars.” Randy Hook and Kenneth Atkins (Photo by Walter Thompson-Hernández) These cowboys also made their life's work teaching young kids in South Central LA about the possibilities and power of healing through horsemanship. In his new book, " The Compton Cowboys: The New Generation of Cowboys in America's Urban Heartland," Thompson-Hernández chronicles the lives of 10 friends continuing the legacy of the original Compton Cowboys who for more than 30 years were a mainstay in the city. It’s a city where the strong bonds between black men are built through the diligent care of horses. ![]() Travon Free made history with his Oscar win as the first African-American filmmaker to win in the live-action short category.Facebook Email Waiting to ride in the Compton Christmas Parade (Photo by Walter Thompson-Hernández)įor those who have never been to South Central Los Angeles, a mention of the city of Compton might bring to mind the sounds of gangsta rap.īut for author and journalist Walter Thompson-Hernández, there’s something else that comes straight out of Compton: black cowboys. The event also included a special presentation to honor former Compton Fire Chief Monroe Smith for his contributions to the Compton community as the first Black man to head a fire department in California.Ĭompton-born Oscar winners Travon Free and Samir Hernandez were in attendance and were recognized for their film “Two Distant Strangers”. From eating delicious vegan food from Planet Health to seeing the amazing art installations at Gallery 90220, this is truly a City that celebrates Black culture and Black excellence” “This city really has something for everyone. “We were extremely excited to feature the City of Compton in ‘A New Green Book,” said Mary Jo Madda, senior program manager, education for social impact at Google. “A New Green Book” highlights and honors Black culture throughout the United States and the City of Compton is one of the stops included. The event included a YouTube screening of the film “A New Green Book”, an engaging travel series paying tribute to the classic Green Book, which was once a guidebook for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era, offering information on safe places for food and lodging. I am proud of our city for coming together to make this event such a resounding success and I look forward to continuing to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage in the years to come,” said Mayor Emma Sharif. “Compton’s Black History Month celebration was truly a triumph, bringing together our community to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our city. This year’s event featured a wide range of activities and attractions, including art exhibits, special honoring ceremonies, giveaways, a kids’ zone, and more. The City of Compton celebrated Black History Month with a dynamic and immersive event at the Dollarhide Center. Oscar winners and other notable Compton natives honor Black culture ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |