HISTORY
In 1990, a group of passionate and driven activists came together, summoned by Mayor Karen Bass, who was working as a physician’s assistant at the time. The group was deeply shaken by the devastating health crisis that had taken hold of our community.
The crack-cocaine epidemic was causing widespread destruction, evidenced by loved ones disappearing into the penal system, helicopters hovering overhead day and night, and residents going to great lengths to secure their homes, including installing bars on their windows to prevent break-ins. But even more disheartening to the group was the response of elected officials, who introduced harsher laws for drug use and gave law enforcement carte blanche to use increasingly violent tactics.
The public, fearful for their safety, acquiesced to these measures as they grasped for solutions to restore peace to our community. The activists knew that criminalizing addiction would only make matters worse. They believed the residents most affected by the crisis needed to be included and heard in creating real solutions. It was from this vision that the idea of a community-driven organization was born.
For more than three decades now, Community Coalition (CoCo) has been steadfastly elevating voices, empowering the community, and addressing the underlying causes of poverty, crime, and violence to create a more prosperous, safer, and healthier South L.A. Headquartered in South Los Angeles, CoCo is a grassroots organization that has been at the forefront of social justice and community empowerment since our inception in 1990.
Founded as a Black and Brown organization grappling with systemic issues such as poverty, inadequate access to quality education, and social injustice, Community Coalition rapidly gained recognition for our commitment to building a community where all individuals can access opportunities for growth, success, and well-being.
Over the years, Community Coalition has spearheaded numerous initiatives and campaigns to address education reform, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and economic development. With community organizing, civic engagement, and coalition-building as cornerstones to create transformative change.
we have successfully mobilized residents, policymakers, and stakeholders to create positive change and improve the quality of life for all residents in South Los Angeles. Through our grassroots efforts and community-driven solutions, we continue to be a leading voice of the people and a force for social justice and change in Los Angeles.