For those who have been following my #UnapologeticLeadershipThoughts, you know that I often emphasize the importance of developing community when leading higher education organizations, particularly community colleges. This topic is not just a professional interest; it’s a personal journey. I’ve dedicated my life to developing these skills, not for personal gain but to serve my community, Compton, California.
Those of us who call Compton home share an unspoken bond, a sense of belonging that transcends the streets we grew up on. During my childhood, I was surrounded by a community that looked out for each other. If I was locked out of my house, my neighbors would invite me in and ensure my safety. If they saw me walking home from school, a family friend would pick me up to make sure I got home. This shared sense of community, of looking out for one another, is what makes Compton a home to all of us.
I remember moving to Compton in 1984, the year of the Los Angeles Olympics (I have so many thoughts on the Olympics that I will share for another day).That same year, my father installed a basketball court in my backyard. As I think about my childhood home, we used to play basketball all the time, especially in the summertime. Since we didn’t have a back gate, many times, I would come home, and my neighborhood friends would be playing basketball in my backyard when we were not home. We would have HORSE challenges, 2-on-2 tournaments, 3-on-3 tournaments. It was so much fun, and we didn’t mind sharing the hoop (Maybe when we lost a game). Regardless of what we were all doing, we were connected because of the street (In case you are wondering, it was South Pearl Street) we grew up on.
I remember playing Pop Warner football for Greater Compton. We practiced and played our games at Dominguez High School even though we didn’t go to school there. The highlight of Pop Warner Football was going to all the Dominguez High School Friday Night Football Games to support them, too. Even though I was a young kid (10-14 years old), my teammates’ parents always looked out for me if I needed it. My parents would do the same for the other kids on my team. We all took care of each other.
I think about this in my leadership of Compton College. Growing up here and having the opportunity to lead our institution of higher education has given me a unique opportunity. As President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), I get to work with the Compton Community College District Board of Trustees, faculty, Classified Professionals, managers/supervisors, and most importantly, students to reshape this college into the kind of place I needed when I was a kid and a young adult. For example, when I was growing up or attending the University of California at Santa Cruz, colleges didn’t have food pantries, farmers’ markets, or free parking, to name a few. Honestly, you got to go to college if you were lucky. I can count on my fingers the kids from my neighborhood who got to go to college. My brothers and I were one of the lucky few from my street who went to college and graduated from college. And so, I lean on that privilege every day that I’m President and CEO of this institution. I try to remember what it was like and have that inform my unapologetic leadership.
I don’t mean to suggest that leaders can’t lead in communities they did not grow up in. But those leaders who find themselves in communities that are not their own must take the serious time to stop, reflect, and listen: What voices are the ones that are most often silenced in the room? Pay special attention to those. What struggles are your students facing? Where is the greatest need? Challenge yourself to rise to those occasions unapologetically. Look around, see who you can partner with in your new home, and actively cultivate that community around your institution.
Most people from the neighborhood I grew up in know I am the President of Compton College. When they need assistance, no matter what it is regarding higher education, they call me first. Just two weeks ago, I had a childhood friend who I met in 1984 (yes, 40 years ago). His daughter contacted me because she needed to take a community college course. She is a student at a four-year college and needs a calculus class. We were able to assist this student, and she is enrolled at Compton College this summer. My childhood friend made sure she enrolled at Compton College because he is doing his part to support Compton College and me.
Really, it’s about taking care of each other. You know that saying about taking a village to raise a child? It’s true. And I’d argue it takes a whole community to educate its students.
So, when I say, “Compton Stand Up,” it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting our local educational institutions. We are not perfect, but we are trying to improve to support student success. Standing up is not just about enrollment but also about holding our local educational institutions accountable for student success. It means engaging with what is happening at our local community colleges and providing feedback to these institutions. The feedback could be positive or negative. Community colleges are special by design — when functioning well, they reflect their unique people, histories, and futures — no matter who is leading them.
Community colleges and their students (especially Black students) need people to stand up for them to succeed and step into the future. All educational communities and institutions need to double down efforts to support Black Student Success from the declining enrollment, and the number of Black Students not returning to our campuses for various reasons must improve. As higher education leaders, we are responsible for reversing these trends; we need to Stand Up for Black Student Success.