What It’s Like Growing Up Black in Los Angeles | Growing Up Black on VH1

Growing Up Black: Los Angeles is the fourth chapter in a series dedicated to interviewing people from cities across the country to explore their personal experiences around what it’s like growing up Black in America, systemic racism, the importance of voting in local elections, and their feelings/experiences around the Black Lives Matter movement today.
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[@nadas.5643]

I'm born and raised in Los Angeles. Not to be rude to the people in this video but it did not give a full picture of being black in L.A. I have watched the other cites and they gave you a better understanding of their cities. They didn't touch on crack cocaine, gentrification, blacks relationship with Latinos, our love for tacos, they barely spoke on the gang culture. They didn't speak on the disappearance of most black neighbors in L.A. and how we have been and are being squeezed out. They didn't cover The Black Beverly Hills aka Windsor Hills, Baldwin Hills, & Ladera Heights. The dual reality of living in the hood but taking the bus to a "better" neighborhood for school. I could go on and on.

[@differentbrand]

Yes because la “heights” is gentrification! Nobody is seeing it until tomorrow all blacks had been moved passed the valley.

[@erickajanae323]

BIG PERIOD!!!! I’m mad😳

[@Welcometothenow]

Wow thank you. I’m glad that you touched on this. I’m very interested in LA culture and this gave the run down.

[@ciarahorton4828]

Yessssssssssss! And i grew up in compton and watts...this is a poor depicting. Poor

[@kaybee9071]

Absolutely THIS! Living in the hood in LA is nuanced. 30 minutes couldn’t cover it. We would need a documentary. I’ve only been gone for 3 months and miss home like crazy because of those very nuances.

[@gabrielar9611]

I’m from LA and moved to Vegas. When ever I go out there, (whether it be Hollywood, downtown, the beach) the homeless problem is out of control!

[@themagicman5035]

It's not only LA now. It's all of Cali

[@MrHonesttruth7]

I lived in L.A. for 17 years, and if you're not part of the 1% making major 'bank' and living in Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Mount Olympus, Belair, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Culver City, etc; between the gangs, high cost of living, traffic, lack of parking, etc. L.A. can royally suck.

[@Welcometothenow]

That’s what I’ve been hearing. I’ve seen the home prices and it’s astronomical. Literally 1 million for a 1 level 2 bedroom house.

[@SJames-tm2ei]

I worked in L.A. and forgive me, it's junky as hell. Way too many have nots..lol

[@doggieGZ]

I am in that 1%... and i totally agree

[@jojocovid19]

I’m sure it’s more than 1%

[@nishashawn2021]

Poor anywhere sucks

[@jamaldavis8606]

im born in los angeles, and remember being raise as a black child in diamond bar,ca..i never experince growing up in the hoods of los angeles, but i got nothing but love for my black and brown brothers and sisters from the ghettos and inner cities in l.a..

[@_tink_2362]

Im from la when i tell you this aint even the top of the cake

[@HeavyontheChai]

I LOVE BEING BORN AND RAISED IN LOS ANGELES, CA 💯 "no one said it was easy"

[@IAmShaneBlack]

Exactly. I think these are the stories that should be told.

[@authenticallynic2184]

I was born and raised in Inglewood. Everything thing in this documentary is so relative! There’s nothing like it!

[@IAmShaneBlack]

Me too. Inglewood all day. It’s good to see these stories finally

[@2jcward]

Is Inglewood rough like South Central?

[@authenticallynic2184]

@@2jcward it has its ups and downs like any city.

[@seanlewis1148]

Compton's in the house.... Rosecrans & Tajauta my stomping grounds since 1972!!! Anyone from that area remember Newberry's and Thrifty's, when McDonald's burned down in the early 80's lol, swimming up at Capanella Park.......The old Outer Space Car Wash on 156th and Central. The Compton Swap Meet and Drive-in(now defunct) on the east side, also swimming up at Leuders Park

[@davonchill2akory224]

I'm so blessed to see all theses black woman Mayors, doing what black women have always done take care of there communities. Next we need a sista in the White House. Wish my moms was here to witness all this Black Woman Magic.

[@daidai772]

I love living in Los Angeles just wish the violence would stop! South central born and raised 🥰

[@tracyoneal39]

I want to move to LA. How is it living there? Working, School etc?

[@daidai772]

It's pretty expensive like 1,500 just to rent a 1bedroom, but other than that there are a lot of great schools, and job opportunities. Very diverse

[@Zorafnn]

I lived in compton for a year as a white kid and let me tell you that was rough

[@IAmShaneBlack]

I’m from Inglewood and love it out here it’s nothing like it.

[@daidai772]

@@IAmShaneBlack period 🥰

[@hbk._toxica51o39]

Y’all should do “Growing up black in San Francisco” ❤️

[@freebehindbars8654]

Stop with dividing us into groups.

[@melid211]

For real!!!

[@mixtapemania6769]

We already are divided into groups. Black people overall are the most diverse mega group of people on the planet. White people are much more similar to each other

[@Purpleloveme]

To live and die in L.A., it's the place to be You've got to be there to know it When everybody wanna see 🎶

[@laquetamcclintock5029]

Makaveli (Tupac Shakur) I saw this almost 25 years to the date of the release

[@austinhunt5190]

LA is terrible

[@flyaries1188]

I always wanted to live in LA growing up and moved to LA in 2011 and been here ever since I reside in the valley and love it here and lived in the city for about 2 years love the city the food the people the culture there's still so much that I still haven't done yet and checked off ❤️🌴☀️

[@iceleb452]

Being black is cool and to be living in LA is amazing altogether!

[@melid211]

Being American and livin in Cali is awesome. Loved it too

[@charnellemonay]

Wow these black people really give me hope for a better life. Hopefully I will get to visit one day.

[@alexwilson1890]

@Connor Wilson I keep seeing you, you seem like a smart man. And I like your last name.

[@dnttlk2me12]

It’s not all about Hollywood or Compton.. it’s about the hood and the struggles that come with it!!! 323 born and raised baby!

[@Jayster07]

Uhmm Compton has its struggles too

[@madmann1000]

I hope we get to see other cities that we normally don't get to see. I fee like I know more about NYC, ATL, LA ,etc more than my own city [Houston] I feel these programs tend to highlight the same cities over and over again. You have millions of other black people elsewhere that would like some representation too.

[@Tempest87]

I think they started with New Orleans but I would love to see more spaces as well.

[@homegurlheather]

Season 2 🤞🏾

[@Nominaze]

They should do one of STL

[@blackchang1981]

Agreed. I'm curious about Milwaukee, Houston, San Antonio, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, San Antonio, Seattle, Dallas, Jacksonville, Orlando, Little Rock, Richmond, Boston, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Phoenix & Las Vegas. There are so many Black communities that never get acknowledged.

[@kaybee9071]

I’m here in Houston area now from LA. Can you tell me where the black gravitate to one another? I’m used to places like Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw District…seeing black people every where I go. Shopping, clubbing, going to museums with them. I see a lot of cute bars and clubs downtown but not really my people.

[@dynamict4722]

We need a Chicago episode

[@itsjustjae85]

They have a Chicago episode

[@OvATyME316]

Love this video. Born and raised in South Central. 76th and Figueroa and Expo and Vermont. Don't want to be anywhere else but here

[@JayBubblez]

I just got done watching Juvenile Crime: Oakland now I'm finna watch this documentary.

[@colossus112785]

I can look and tell that The Backwells are Creole

[@ivamcole2304]

Lots of Creoles migrated to California

[@riversoflivingwater3831]

What is creole?

[@colossus112785]

@@riversoflivingwater3831 Louisiana Creole people look it up

[@mixtapemania6769]

I always think people talking about haitians when I see creole lol

[@mixtapemania6769]

But then again I'm from Florida it's a lot of zoes here

[@jessicaibe970]

I have always wanted to go to Los Angeles✨✨

[@logan52s36]

Kinda sucks

[@avalong3203]

su

[@avalong3203]

@@logan52s36 I’m gonna get a

[@LSDANNY7x]

Just bring money

[@qmozzy]

You dont

[@atouchofyaz4876]

I love being an LA Baby! It was the best experience!

[@IAmShaneBlack]

It’s nothing like it. I love it.

[@meld.4784]

Born and raised in LA; mom and grandma born here. I feel like they missed so much…but still a great watch 👌🏽

[@CourtneyAuraFreeman]

This is super inspiring, and I love all the perspectives. Thanks for this content. And to all the interviewees, thank you for the work you do to improve our lives here in LA and to pave the way for the future of our youth.

[@rodneywhitfield3726]

😘 well said I'm from Detroit and I love I like LA

[@31bigfree]

Hey Mrs freeman

[@JoWorlddddd]

I’m ready to goooooooo, I can’t wait ❤️

[@jerrytshipamba1762]

That is if you live in south of la or East LA , west la is a really quite and cleaner.

[@missus2cents]

Compton, inglewood, Torrance-isn't LA (neither is altadena. You have people in LA who never ever heard of altadena). Pamela had the most interesting story and she focused solely on LA (despite not being born here). Also they need more millennial speaking on the LA experience

[@kaybee9071]

I’m glad I’m not the only one 😂 over here like where the hell is Altadena?

[@dejondabeast2]

It’s LA County so it’s LA.

[@toyahill4151]

Love this yoyo is right truth politicians need to be accountable too much games lives being hurt by systemic racism, poverty, lack of housing gosh yoyo said "don't let me start preaching"!

[@toyahill4151]

@Connor Jonhson Sometime the govt of where anyone resides in can help in some capacity alot of folks just need that push for a job not misuse assistance or stay.

[@toyahill4151]

@Connor Jonhson I actually work I am not on govt assistance I was staying lots of people need a push from the govt there are folks who have degrees and help those in distress to where they can get off whether getting a 2 yr or 4 yr degree HELL!!!?

[@lavishmisfittink3214]

Bring black everybody wanted to go or visit LA because the movie culture shows the black movies there Friday don’t be a menace boys in the hood poetic justice

[@fisaffordablefinds9584]

I love Los Angeles in small doses , but would never live there again . Food is EXCELLENT!!! And I grew up with Hispanics, white and Asian in school, so diverse culture has always been what I know. I always felt uncomfortable in settings where it’s predominantly one race of folks cause I’m always use to variety

[@losangelesca5470]

You sound dumb Los Angeles and the state of California is the most diverse City New York and also Miami is no other places like those places in America who want to live in a slow place

[@KhyreSo]

Its Tha Other Way Around For Me😂😂

[@jasonbiggs9261]

you sound silly, you'd never hear Jewish feel uncomfortable being around their own

[@fisaffordablefinds9584]

@@jasonbiggs9261 you sound silly for not understanding diversity 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@jasonbiggs9261]

@@fisaffordablefinds9584 no . .your comment and the underlying message us silly

[@TamikaX]

All of these series have been politically correct. Ask the people that aren't celebrities. Why they dont touch on the missing melanated black people from the projects.

[@tyrellefrazier16]

It’s nice to stumble across this video. Growing up in South Carolina I always wanted to move to Los Angeles and achieve my dream of being an actor. It’s good to hear the opinions and honest commentary from actual black residents.

[@skip031890]

South Carolina's a great state.

[@lovelybaesia]

what part? i'm from sc too

[@tyrellefrazier16]

@@lovelybaesia Moncks Corner, I was born in Charleston💯🙌🏽

[@tyrellefrazier16]

@TruthTeller oh wow! Do you have any advice I can use before I move to California✨

[@aleyabrown4396]

It’s really ghetto💯many’ rappers die here why u think?

[@losonamission]

Memphis should be the next city

[@mystery38106]

Yessir

[@2jcward]

Memphis is segregated as hell. Feels like the Deep South.

[@mystery38106]

@@2jcward It really is

[@skip031890]

@@2jcward What's wrong with that?

[@2jcward]

@@skip031890 What wrong with segregation?

[@rosieusa]

Born and raised in Los Angeles. Gardena and South Central.

[@l.d.4837]

💯%, another video please!!

[@tweetybird7645]

Great mini doc!

[@amberhanzy6576]

LA County is huge. The city of Los Angeles is not. We blanket all of the smaller cities and call them LA, but each city has its own niche. Black culture throughout LA County differs by region.

[@Myfilteredview]

Let’s discuss the undertone of racism in this city for black professionals

[@elpatron1721]

LA is the Place to be , I will never leave this Diamond in the ruff. This will always be home , I do travel but I always come back.

[@sethperron1311]

They just have to add the what’s it like to grow up in Los Angeles BUT BLACK

[@MsBeeLyons]

Great episode💪🏾

[@daniellean5769]

Love this series. 💕 Can we do the Bay next? I'm biased cuz i'm from Oakland.

[@brandobee2264]

No

[@spencerwhitsett9350]

@@brandobee2264 😂😂😂

[@charlita25]

I feel like 👍🏾 this was the best of all the series. I moved here 3 different times and I relate even though I am not a native of LA. This could have been longer it’s so much to cover about the city 🏙 of Angels. Los Angeles has been the best place that I have lived so far. Guess that’s why I keep coming back. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@charlita25]

I lived in Altadena. I loved 🥰 it there Ms. Aja 🌴

[@YounginBallin]

I’m black from the south and I want to move to la, thanks for this video

[@tracyoneal39]

I live in Jacksonville, Fl I always wanted to live there. Did you know LA was first in Jax then went to California? History fact. Google it

[@YounginBallin]

@@tracyoneal39 yes, I have fam in duval it’s very nice and la is kind of similar , but la has more things to do

[@tracyoneal39]

@thomas dacquisto you Right lol 🤣 That's what I meant. Duh

[@SunRaeeeee]

I’m black from the south and I did move to la. It’s too many attention starved people here. And don’t see the “family” aspect they’re referring to but everybody has a different experience. Maybe you’ll like it.

[@whiteknob7944]

Can you ask the queen why her subjects kill each other all the time?

[@Mulattobeauty27]

I wish LA could do things different for the blacks that went generations back. South Los Angeles isn’t the same….

[@peterparker01676]

Hello daniella How are you doing today?

[@DrCareyYazeedTV]

Really enjoyed this episode💜

[@peterparker01676]

Hello Dr.carey How are you doing today?

[@aprilwayne9451]

Born and Raised 🙌 In Black Oakland ( Home of the Black 🖤 Panthers 🐈‍⬛✊🏼 Shout Out To LA ❤️ #CaliforniaLove

[@MrBellicosta]

I’m born and raised in LA other than Kayla, and Yo-yo this cast is janky…Yo-yo ain’t the queen of south central she from Carson lol

[@SMack-oc3ti]

I thought she was from Denver lane

[@TamikaX]

Doesn't mean anything. Malcolm was the king of Harlem and wasn't een from der. He was from Lansing Michigan 🤷🏿‍♀️😜

[@missrobyncalifornia]

I love yoyo so much since 8th grade!!❤

[@munecamccoy]

I understand what u saying, I was 12 when Ice Cube left NWA I fell in love with his music, acting pretty much everything Ice Cube so I was rockin with YO-YO since Mr. Jackson brought her out! But, I understand say she the queen of a city she not from, she has spent most of her life there...

[@latimoreshenii3334]

Sound like a thread full of hella *HATERS.* Crab in a barrel syndrome. We STILL doing this to each other in our own race, refuse to CREDIT one another. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@brenbeauty]

Love of self. we need to come together

[@dd_hazard6190]

Everybody love Ca until they move out and never wanna come back! But love to visit time to time🤷🏾‍♀️😭🤣🤣🤣

[@treybandz3161]

Do Baltimore next💯

[@sgll1360]

Excellent!1

[@Mulattobeauty27]

Don’t play with my Yo-Yo ⭐️💥

[@sunnflower10]

I can’t wait to visit LA Growing up PHILLY next

[@aleyabrown4396]

It’s ghetto girrl 😂💯

[@sunnflower10]

Lol! Listen so was growing up in Philly so it’s all Love.

[@CHANEL_D_QUEEN]

Awesome Documentary ❤️🌹💋

[@alexwilson1890]

No it's not, it's rasist

[@indiol606]

You can't play with my yo yo !!!!

[@emmanuelwhitmore584]

You can say this about NYC..

[@kiabeetv9784]

i love visiting LA but i stay in north lbc been here since i was 4 its basically the only home ive ever known and its completely different experience from LA very laid back i love it but i do like the feel of visiting LA especially inglewood n baldwin hills as well south central u can really experience the black culture in those areas but i like coming home living here in the lbc especially since i been stayin in the carmelitos the past 3 years down the street from my parents in a spot i can actually afford but yeah its more workin class out here ppl thats not from out here dont get that part

[@undoubtabledetails4410]

So why is this only a KZbin series? 👀

[@looweegee252]

Chill with the racism - big dislike energy

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

6: 45 Thug Yoda!

[@dorisbrown8121]

You gotta do black in Tacoma because I’m curious!

[@Waverly91898]

YoYo!! You have my upmost respect.

[@alexwilson1890]

@Connor Wilson facts

[@shantithebosslady]

Love my city

[@Flynerdybarber]

Yoyo people are definitely from lousiana

[@B.fly.11.11]

This video was so amazing I can’t want to move out to LA.

[@aleyabrown4396]

Hope u got money😂

[@tam1729]

@@aleyabrown4396 this

[@2bucksaday572]

You not from LA breakdown was on point.

[@erickajanae323]

Born and raised baby!! Luh my city!!!

[@IAmShaneBlack]

Inglewood all day. Nothing like it.

[@ilovegodandjesusjohn316]

Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

[@jamaldavis8094]

being black in Los Angeles is like taking a dump.. sometimes it's hard.. sometimes it's easy.. but just remember to flush all your problems away, and raise your ass up and keep walking strong...

[@theeoriginalroro5500]

Compton ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@brandonblack105]

Whats it like growing up asian in LA?

[@shaeshae5610]

Yeah and most of them are all related to each other

[@sarahcahoot5444]

Thank God... I am not from LA.

[@seanlewis1148]

Then why are you here?

[@ipeefreely2364]

Make a video on growing up white in the old West Side Projects of San Bernardino.

[@diatribe1194]

YO AMO 💖 LOS ANGELES...TONGVA CAHUENGA TUJUNGA MALIBU....

[@meekrodriguez6438]

I love this videos

[@alexwilson1890]

@Connor Wilson lol

[@kevhimself2756]

They need to do a growing up Memphis next!!!

[@losonamission]

I definitely agree that

[@theeoriginalroro5500]

I love my city

[@kianicole1661]

This was good

[@yukozuna1130]

I can’t wait till they start the white series!

[@char6081]

Not really needed since y’all make up the majority. And there’s probably already videos on it just without any race in the title. Why are y’all so afraid of race?

[@yukozuna1130]

@@char6081 that was bait. You just proved it’s you… thanks 😀

[@itsbritt9155]

If you have a problem , why are you watching? White ppl stay in black ppl business, always worried about what black ppl are doing and why , since the beginning of time , I really believe the karen-ism is genetic at this point..”why don’t we have a white series .” “Why don’t we have white tv network , they have bet” “if a white person said that!…” the thing is you do, this country is built all around you, is all about you , and has always been which is why people of color in general, especially black ppl have to make their own things, it’s like black ppl get a little shine , have a series educating others on the different cultures of African Americans in the USA and here comes Karen trying to bait and kill any positive vibes….

[@Bigmickeythecomedian]

They about to Close men central jail house letting out 4,800 inmates LA get ready

[@april_dawn]

Really??! 😳

[@AaronaCreates]

Aja🙌🏽💯

[@The_real_onefs]

Like everyother family....

[@pappagetti]

I wouldn't want to grow up in L.A. nothing tops Richmond, California...But now that I'm all grown...I'd sure like to live there now. 😆

[@CandiOsama]

It’s crazy because I really did think it was all glitz and glamour down in LA

[@757CitiesReppa]

You look nice

[@mrsbdubc2174]

No place is

[@757CitiesReppa]

Yeah, most places just have a hype machine that can skew peoples perception of the reality of a place.

[@terucks]

They ain’t lying. I saw it and I believe. LA is cool but I didn’t think it was so dirty and so much homelessness especially south LA near USC. But I loved Memorial Coliseum and the diversity .

[@jurizih]

black black black

[@elizabethwalker3971]

💗

[@safari764]

This implies for all races not just balck people

[@Shadyfoo323]

Peace and love crips bloods eses is all good

[@OblateSpheroid]

Privileged and constantly subjecting other people to suffering.

[@peter.steeles.alt.account1.]

Hi I’m white

[@savinogomez9043]

Where’s the “ What’s it like growing up as a Mexican in Los Angeles “ @ ???

[@EazyButta]

Get somebody mexican to make a video then.

[@brownhippiex496]

@@EazyButta well that wasn’t the title so …. Lol

[@vliciouss]

Please don’t do this. This isn’t about Mexicans rn. We have Latino networks for things like this.

[@LAkwsJaystone]

We love y’all too. Make on. I’m there for it.

[@brandobee2264]

Wym y’all take over every city lol

[@korn6668]

Ok

[@eastbayant7606]

Ms yo yo ⚘⚘😉😍😍😍