Assignment #1

Learning about California’s history of sundown practices, as well as the article on the 1992 LA riots, made it clear how racial inequalities in areas like Hawthorne and South LA were shaped by long-standing systems of exclusion. It was very interesting to me how common sundown towns were across California, as seen in the Sacramento Observer article, as I did not realize such extreme racism occurred in those places. It was hard to hear about how Black residents had to be told not to stay out after dark because it shows how intentional segregation was, and it explains why communities still feel divided today. The Rolling Stone piece shows the connection between the 1992 LA riots and more recent events. The article explains how years of policy brutality and law enforcement's lack of accountability led to widespread frustration in South Los Angeles. The Rodney King verdict became a breaking point for communities that already felt unheard and mistreated. Altogether, these readings helped me to understand why historical context is so important for community-based work. As a MAPS intern, it is a helpful reminder to approach these communities with humility and to understand that people's experiences with injustice still shape how they interact with systems today. Overall, these readings reminded me that meaningful community engagement starts with listening, awareness, and respect for the histories that continue to shape people’s lives. This understanding makes me more aware of the responsibility I have to be patient, open-minded, and intentional in how I show up and support the communities I work with.