Latino, Black Leaders Unite After Alleged Hate Crime in Compton
A coalition of Latino and black community leaders banded together on the steps of Compton City Hall on Monday, seeking to unite the city in the aftermath of an attack that law enforcement has labeled a hate crime.
Last week, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said two Latino gang members terrorized a black family in an attempt to drive them out of the neighborhood.
The group of about a dozen leaders called for a dialogue between city officials, the sheriff’s office and residents to address problems that have arisen from shifting demographics in the city. Compton, once a largely black community, is now made up of about 65% Latino residents, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.
“We will not let this incident define our community,” said Satra Zurita, a Compton Unified school board member. “We will work on the state, local and federal level to eradicate this behavior immediately.”
Shortly after a black family of five moved into a tract home around Christmas, reputed gang members started attacking, sheriff’s officials said. On New Year’s Eve, two allegedly hurled racial slurs at the family and their guests. One visitor was beaten with a metal pipe, according to authorities.
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