From West Los to Crenshaw

by Julian Izaguirre

I come from West Los, The Four Corners to be exact
Where they gentrified us and left us scrambling to find a path
I come from West Los, Where the four corners beef it
Culver, Venice, Sawtelle, Santa Monica
You’ll get pressed for your colors, so you’d think to wear black and even that doesn’t work
I come from West Los, wear the sh*t gets crackin when you least expect it
I come from West Los, where Venice High was my homeschool
Another place for drama to start when you don’t want it to

They come from Crenshaw, two of my closest
Where Nipsey Hussle is the icon and Naybahood is what they’re yelling
They come from Crenshaw, where the politickin is different
And when the beef gets active, you know the bullets gonna be spittin
They come from Crenshaw, where it’s a whole different vibe
You got cookouts on the daily and you know their people vibin
They come from Crenshaw, South of The Four Corners
But when a foolie like me needs it, their support is always given
They come from Crenshaw, I’m from West Los
But when we come together it’s always Love and Good Energy

We come from LA, where it’s a different tale every day
But if one thing’s for sure,
We’re gonna make the best of each day

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This 1-minute video lets you share and explain to your friends and family how POPS the Club cultivates an inclusive space for youth who have been stigmatized and silenced by their experiences with the carceral system. Our clubs build positive self-identity through peer and adult support and understanding fostered by shared experiences. We empower students to achieve their full potential by creating a loving community and encouraging self-expression. — Tracy Harper