Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles (CCSCLA) was founded in 1985 by Robin Cannon and Charlotte Bullock to rally against the construction of a waste incinerator, known as the LANCER, in a low-income, predominantly Black community in Los Angeles. By 1987, the construction project was successfully halted, with protests led by CCSCLA playing a significant role in the decision.
Since preventing the LANCER project, CCSCLA has broadened its mission to improve the communities of South Central Los Angeles through a variety of ongoing initiatives. These include campaigns to combat environmental hazards, alleyway cleanups, affordable housing projects, and youth programs. CCSCLA operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focusing on an area bounded by the Santa Monica Freeway to the north, the Harbor Freeway to the west, Slauson Avenue to the south, and Alameda Street to the east. This includes neighborhoods such as Vermont Central and the Central Avenue Corridor.
Over the years, CCSCLA has extended its efforts to other underserved neighborhoods, including Watts and Compton. When CCSCLA was founded, its primary area of focus had one of the highest concentrations of African Americans in Los Angeles.
Our Ongoing Mission At CCSCLA, we remain committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of low-income communities in South Central Los Angeles and beyond. Our mission has evolved to address a range of pressing social and environmental issues, always with a focus on creating sustainable change and empowering residents to take an active role in improving their neighborhoods.
Key Areas of Impact
Environmental Justice We continue to lead initiatives that address environmental hazards disproportionately affecting our communities. From air quality monitoring to organizing cleanups, our efforts aim to ensure that every resident lives in a safe and healthy environment.
Affordable Housing Access to affordable housing is a cornerstone of stability for families. CCSCLA works on housing development projects, partners with policymakers, and advocates for housing rights to ensure that all residents have a place to call home.
Youth Programs We believe in nurturing the next generation by providing educational opportunities, mentorship programs, and recreational activities for young people. These programs are designed to inspire leadership, build confidence, and help youth reach their full potential.
Community Advocacy Our advocacy campaigns address a range of social justice issues, from economic equity to access to essential services. We empower community members by providing resources and organizing efforts to amplify their voices in local decision-making processes.
Join Us CCSCLA welcomes partnerships, volunteers, and supporters who share our vision of a thriving and equitable South Central Los Angeles. Whether you’re an individual looking to make a difference or an organization seeking to collaborate, we invite you to join us in building stronger, healthier communities. South Central Los Angeles neighborhoods boundaries consists of the Santa Monica freeway to the North, the Harbor Freeway to the West, Slauson Avenue to the South and Alameda to the East. It includes the Vermont Central neighborhood and Central Avenue Corridor.
The purpose of this organization shall be the fostering of interest among its members and community in social, economic and environmental conditions and growth of their community.
Additionally, to assist in the development of low-income housing in Southern California communities by providing technical and other assistance to nonprofit housing development corporations.
CCSCLA invests in educating and benefiting the youth populations of South Central Los Angeles. Training and cultivating the youth population of the community is important for its sustainability.
CCSCLA not only provides programs for youth recreation, but also education on the community issues, and programs for professional development.
The most notable programs CCSCLA has created are People Organizing for Workplace and Environmental Rights (POWER), The Entertainment Industry Training Program (EITP), and The Antes Columbus Youth Football Club in partnership with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches.