Compton, CA (The Bulletin) – Happy Birthday, Compton! Celebrating 137 years of legacy,
culture, and community pride—that’s a long time ago, and an even longer list of impact.
Compton showed up and showed out for its 137th birthday on May 31, 2025, in downtown
Compton.
And if you weren’t there? You missed out. But don’t trip—I got you. From the moment I stepped
on the scene, the energy was electric. We weren’t just honoring Compton’s history—we were
living it in real time.
Legacy on Display, Love on Full Volume
Inside Compton City Hall, legacy met love in one of the most creative displays of city pride I’ve
ever seen. The space was filled with vintage photographs, tribute banners, and decades of
Compton pride layered from wall to wall. A stunning mural collage included cultural and athletic
giants—Kendrick Lamar, DeMar DeRozan, Venus and Serena Williams, N.W.A., and more. It
was a timeline in technicolor, boldly reminding us just how deep Compton’s contributions
run.
Museum Moments: A Walk-Through Time
Several display cases housed memorabilia: old council meeting pamphlets, newspaper
clippings, and family artifacts from the city’s founding days. Posters showcased the city’s
agricultural roots, its jazz and funk renaissance, and the political leaders who paved the way. It
wasn’t just art—it was a layered archive of pride, struggle, and perseverance.
Art in Action: Mary Harris Live
One artist, Mary Harris, freestyled a mural in real time.
“I’ve been painting since I was 3,” she told me while brushing bold strokes across a canvas that captured Compton’s soul.
A City That Crowns Its Own
The City of Compton honored Lorena Cabrera La Charra De Jalisco with a Certificate of Appreciation. Her performance during “Celebrating Through Song and Dance” was a beautiful nod to culture, rhythm, and unity. The message was clear: she didn’t just perform—she poured in.
Neighborhood Pride: The Dopest City in the World
Compton knows how to throw a birthday party. Residents showed up in style, snapping selfies,
grabbing hugs, and enjoying free hot dogs compliments of the Sheriff Department. Community
groups like Concerned Citizens held it down, and the vibe was pure joy.
From the Booth to the Bulletin
The Compton Bulletin didn’t just report on the event—we were the event. We went live, told
stories, captured quotes, and gave flowers in real time. City leaders like Mayor Emma Sharif,
Councilmembers Duhart, Spicer, Bowers, and Darden were present. So were icons like Lonzo
Williams and historical guests like Bootsy Collins and Peppermint Pattie, using music to
promote peace through their Bootsy Collins Foundation.
Civic Center in regal blue and white, carrying a legacy with every step and style. Photo by Felicia
Enriquez
Meet the Browns
This husband-and-wife duo, Charles “Reverend” Brown—also known as Charlie Brown—and
Pauline Brown are pillars in the Compton 125 Historical Society. “Today we celebrate
Compton’s 137th year. We’re here to make sure our history is preserved—for us, and for future
generations.”
They reminded everyone that Compton is still alive—and so is its history. If you’d like to
volunteer or help preserve Compton’s legacy, you can reach out to them directly at
Compton125@yahoo.com.Pauline Brown, co-founder of the Compton Historical Society, said it
best: “History doesn’t just live in books—it lives in us.”
A Moment with the Artist
There was that moment I stood next to a couple admiring a piece of art. Turns out, the man I
was chatting with was the artist himself—Fulton Leroy Washington.
A gentle presence with a powerful story, Fulton shared how his work reflects transformation and
resilience. A former inmate turned community voice, he discovered painting while serving time
and developed a remarkable style rooted in emotion, humanity, and social justice.
After spending 21 years incarcerated for a non-violent offense, Fulton was granted clemency by
President Obama in 2016. Since then, he’s poured his energy into educating, mentoring, and
creating art that challenges perception and uplifts souls.
His presence at the celebration was more than symbolic—it was proof that Compton isn’t just
proud of where it’s been. It honors those who rise from it and give back. And he’s not
done—Fulton is currently working on a massive art project, and I mean massive. Compton
doesn’t just remember history. It rebuilds it.
Voices of Compton: From the People, For the People
Mary Harris – “Being here in person is important to me—not just taking a photo. This is history.”
Pauline Brown – “We’ve been doing this since 2013. Every year, we come together to
pronounce our history and honor our founders.” Historical Society VP – “We’re here to make
sure our history is preserved—for us, and for future generations.”
Message from the Mayor: A City of Resilience and Rise
Mayor Emma Sharif
“Even when things get hard, they rise to the occasion. This spirit to rise to the occasion is still
alive and well in our great city.”
Mayor Sharif’s message to residents and guests highlighted Compton’s legacy of determination,
creativity, and global impact. She honored the pioneers who built the city and celebrated those
who’ve brought Compton to the world stage—judges, athletes, actors, entrepreneurs, and even
a U.S. President with Compton roots.
“Know that the best is yet to come!” the mayor wrote, closing with hope for continued unity and
progress.
Final Thoughts
Compton turned 137 years bold this month—and let’s be clear, she’s not just aging gracefully,
she’s throwing block parties right in the heart of the city. Loud, bold, soulful, and always ready
to rise again. Catch me in the crowd, camera in one hand, history in the other. Compton is still
THAT city.
Featured Image: Artist Mary Harris captures Compton pride in real time, painting the MLK Memorial during the city’s 137th birthday. Photo by Felicia Enriquez
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