Concerned Citizens of South-Central Los Angeles (CCSCLA) has been an empowering force in the community since its inception in 1985. Originally founded to fight against the construction of a 13-acre municipal toxic waste incinerator, the organization has since expanded its mission to tackle broader social challenges, including affordable housing.
In an exclusive interview with CCSCLA Executive Director Noreen McClendon, she shared the new initiatives and endeavors that the organization has undertaken. Notably, CCSCLA partnered with the Sisterhood Alliance for Freedom and Equality (S.A.F.E.) Housing Network, which is dedicated to providing homes for women returning from incarceration, many of whom are mothers.
The means for building these homes came through conjunction of Noreeen’s passions: activism and art- specifically into the realm of filmmaking, where she has most recently served as executive producer for two short films – “Something About Mother” (directed by Milena Gay) and “Not Without Alonzo” (directed by Professor Timothy Conley). These films were screened during a private fundraiser at The Beehive in South Central on Saturday, Oct. 5, and raised money to fund CCSCLA’s and SAFE’s housing goals.
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“The goal is to raise enough money to buy a house renovated and house women who are returning from incarceration,” Noreen explained.
“Concerned Citizens has developed over 700 units of affordable housing in Los Angeles… right in South Central L.A. 44 of those units were homes we sold in Watts. But we’ve never done housing like this.”
Empathy is at the root of all that Noreen executes. Her film, “Something About Mother” is a deep dive into the dynamics of family relationships, focusing on the bond between mothers and their children and how it can be strengthened. The film was produced with the help of its own youth program, CCSCLA’S Entertainment Industry Training Program (EITP), which provides young people with opportunities to work behind the scenes in the film industry.
“It was a divine assignment,” Noreen said, reflecting on the deeply personal nature of the project. Directed by Milena Gay, the film brought together a dedicated team, including 10 EITP interns who gained hands-on experience through pre-production, production, and post-production. During the fundraiser, Milena reflected on her experience as a director.
“It was a true labor of love,” she admitted. “It came from divine inspiration, and that’s always love. My happiest places are church and on set, and every day on set was just a blessing.”
In addition to “Something About Mother,” Noreen also executive produced “N.ot W.ithout A.lonzo,” a documentary about Alonzo Williams, an essential individual in the development of West Coast hip-hop and the owner of Eve After Dark, a club where NWA and Dr. Dre began their musical careers.
Noreen first met Alonzo at a WorkSource Center in Compton, where they were both speaking to formerly incarcerated youth. Their connection quickly grew into a partnership, with Alonzo acknowledging that this film was brought to life because of “Queen Noreen.”
In true synchronous fashion, both films were unintentionally completed in the same month. “Something About Mother” has already won two film festival awards, and “N.ot W.ithout A.lonzo,” has also garnered recognition for its contributions to documenting the history of West Coast hip-hop.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Noreen said, reflecting on how the films and CCSCLA’S work have brought the community together.
With plans to submit “Something About Mother” to more film festivals and explore opportunities on streaming platforms, Noreen hopes to inspire wider audiences with the film’s message.
Through her leadership in CCSCLA and her passion for film, she continues to make a lasting impact on South Central Los Angeles, using art and activism as powerful tools for change.
