The Compton Cowboys Ranch became a beacon for civic participation on Oct. 13, bringing together the community for a powerful voter registration drive led by actress and activist Malynda Hale.
The event, filled with live music, food, and a strong sense of purpose, emphasized the importance of local elections and the critical role every vote plays in shaping the future of Compton and beyond.
Hale, a prominent voice in activism, collaborated with the Compton Cowboys, a group known for using equestrian culture to positively influence inner-city youth. Special guests, including actor James Pickens Jr. (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Mayor Emma Sharif, and Randy Savvy, founder of the Compton Cowboys, joined the effort, sending a unified message – civic engagement is the path to real change.
“This is my first time organizing a voter registration drive,” Hale shared. “When people realize that their voices matter, especially in the Black and Brown communities, they will take action. That’s why I’m here—because our voices matter.”
For Savvy and the Compton Cowboys, civic engagement is woven into the fabric of their movement. “Our goal has always been to connect the community to something greater,” Savvy said. “Voter registration is part of that. We want Compton residents to realize the power they hold, especially in local elections.”
Mayor Emma Sharif echoed these sentiments. “The more reason we should vote is because our ancestors died for this right. Every ballot is a step toward ensuring our voices are heard,” Sharif said, encouraging attendees to vote early and to actively participate in shaping the future of their city.
Benjamin Toney, a Ph.D. candidate in Urban Planning and Development at USC, reflected on Compton’s growth, remarking, “We have elders here today who remember when all of this area was agricultural land, and we also have young folks, some of whom may be voting for the first time. This event is a perfect example of Compton’s history meeting Compton’s promise, and by building civic engagement into our culture, we can all impact the development of our communities into the future.”
As the day continued, attendees were encouraged to register to vote, enjoy performances, and support Black-owned businesses, all while being reminded that their civic duty extends far beyond presidential elections. Hale emphasized the importance of local elections, pointing out that infrastructure, education, and healthcare access are shaped by decisions made at the local level.
“The president doesn’t have as much power as people think,” Hale noted. “It’s the local city council, the school board—those are the people who directly impact our communities.”
The event concluded with a renewed sense of hope for Compton, as residents and community leaders stood together, ready to make their voices heard at the polls. The Compton Cowboys and their partners succeeded in fostering a day of unity, pride, and determination, reminding everyone that the future of Compton rests in their hands.
While much attention is often given to national elections, it’s the local votes that directly impact daily life in Compton. The allocation of funds for infrastructure projects, education reform, healthcare services, and housing developments all stem from local policies and decisions. By focusing on civic engagement, events like the one at the Compton Cowboys Ranch aim to shift the narrative and encourage residents to realize the power they have within their own community.
As Randy Savvy put it, “We want Compton to evolve to its next chapter, and that starts with every resident realizing their role in shaping that future.”
For those who couldn’t make it to the event, the message remains the same: Register, vote, and make a difference. With ongoing efforts like these, Compton is well on its way to a brighter future.
