California has long stood out among the 50 states, particularly since the early 20th century, making significant strides in politics, social mobility, and technology.
Los Angeles is a prime example of this uniqueness, often associated with glitz and glamour backed by lucrative industries such as agriculture, entertainment, and tourism.
The lure of prosperity during the Great Depression drew many impoverished White individuals from the Dust Belt, who came to be known as “Okies.”
Their migration was fueled by the myth of a land where ripe fruit could be easily harvested.
In the years following World War II, a similar influx took place, as disillusioned African Americans sought better opportunities on the West Coast, drawn by a booming defense industry that initially arose from wartime military demands.
This movement echoed an earlier migration of six million Blacks from the Jim Crow South between 1890 and 1910, who seeked to escape the harsh realities of post-Civil War racism.
As the economy shifted, however, the blue-collar jobs that once promised stability began to vanish.
The closure of companies like Firestone Tire Company in 1970 and General Motors in 1992 signaled the end of an era for many residents.
This void was subsequently filled by jobs in the food and hospitality industries.
Despite the promise of prosperity, the journey in search of a better life has not been without obstacles.
Upon arrival in California, many newcomers faced oppressive civic infrastructures, including abusive law enforcement and real estate covenants designed to exclude potential homeowners of certain backgrounds.
This was particularly evident in areas like South Bay in Los Angeles County during the mid-20th century.
Compton transitioned from a racially resistant White suburb to a comfortable middle-class Black community, eventually evolving into a symbol of crime and gang culture.
As segregation barriers fell, a curious form of White flight occurred; this time, it was the Black middle class leaving behind a city marred by crime and violence.
Yet, the media’s portrayal of these developments raises questions about what is real versus what is exaggerated hype.
Statistical analysis illuminates the demographic shifts, revealing that Latino individuals comprised 71.3 percent of Compton’s population of approximately 90,986 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
Although they currently dominate the population, they have yet to establish a robust political presence.
Inglewood, nearby, has mirrored this racial transformation, starting from virtually no residents in 1960 to experiencing its own struggles with crime and gang violence, similar to Compton.
Inglewood still holds a significant place in Black Los Angeles, a legacy complicated by a growing Latino presence.
The rising cost of living has pushed professionals, including White families, to explore neighborhoods primarily populated by Black homeowners, such as Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, and View Park.
Collectively known as the “Black Beverly Hills,” these areas symbolize the aspirations of a community seeking to flourish amidst rising housing prices.
Leon Brooks, a lifetime Angelino, found success in a major tech corporation’s sales department, eventually purchasing a home in Baldwin Hills over 50 years ago.
His experience reflects both prosperity and detachment, as he watches relatives face homelessness in stark contrast to his own success.
As housing prices soar along the coast, younger buyers struggle to even afford a condo.
Brooks points out that families that were able to buy homes in the past, particularly Black families, are increasingly selling their properties to seek opportunities elsewhere, such as Arizona or Las Vegas.
This migration is fueled by the sentiment that younger generations believe there may be nothing left for them in the housing market.
Brooks highlights how Latino families are adapting to these conditions, often pooling resources to achieve homeownership, exemplified by collective purchasing strategies at stores like Costco.
By sharing living spaces, many Latinos manage to save enough to secure a future home while working low-wage service jobs.
While focusing on the African American experience provides vital insights into the evolving narrative of Los Angeles, it overlooks the growing Asian population.
Asian immigrants tend to arrive in California with educational and technical advantages, marking a clear contrast to some other ethnic groups.
From an estimated 364,850 Asian individuals in Los Angeles in 2000, the population had risen to 504,261 by 2020.
In comparison, the Latino population increased from 40 percent of Los Angeles residents in 2000 to 47 percent by 2020, consisting of approximately 1.8 million people.
Meanwhile, the Black population in Los Angeles declined slightly from just over 400,000 in 2000 to 360,000 in 2020, accounting for 8.27 percent of the city’s inhabitants.
Los Angeles’ total population experienced growth from 3,694,820 in 2000 to about 3.9 million by 2020, highlighting the dynamics of urban population changes across racial lines.
Census data, however, is often viewed skeptically, as it may not account for undocumented individuals or those who choose not to disclose their ethnic backgrounds.
With the turn of the millennium, California and Los Angeles transitioned away from White majority demographics, potentially signaling future shifts at a national level as well.
Additionally, a reverse migration trend is observed as financially able Blacks consider relocating back to the more hospitable southeastern regions of their origins.
The future remains uncertain for those who choose to stay, facing an ever-evolving urban landscape.
image source from：https://www.ourweekly.com/2025/04/23/african-american-population-shifts-in-the-city-of-los-angeles/
