South Central

In 2003, the city of Los Angeles changed the area’s official name of South Central Los Angeles to South Los Angeles, hoping to blur collective memories of violence and urban decay.  However, since the late 1980′s, the demography of South L.A. has been changing with the arrival of Hispanic immigrants.

In 2000, 55% of the residents were Latino, while 40% were African American.  This has lead to increased violence, street crimes, gangs, widespread unemployment, and poverty.  Those most affected are women and children.  Growing up without a father or husband, they are often forced to seek outside help for basic needs like food.