The streets of Compton, California are widely known to be dangerous and full of gang violence. It is a particularly bad place for at-risk teens, as they often get sucked into the gangs and the violent lifestyle associated with them. That’s why it’s so great that this group of “Compton Cowboys” are going above and beyond to get these kids off the streets.
The Compton Cowboys are a group of African American men who ride rescue horses around Compton as they try to spread peace. It was founded by ten men who met each other when they were young boys at a nonprofit stable located in a semi-rural area of Compton. The stable gave the boys a safe haven from gang violence, and they now want other young people to have the same thing.
“I was always around shootings and gangs, but none of that happens when I’m in the stables with the horses,” one of the Compton Cowboys explained. “There’s peace with the animals.”
All of the horses that the Compton Cowboys ride have been rescued from abuse or neglect. The cowboys can relate to these horses, as they too grew up in poverty surrounded by violence.
“The throwaway horses that we were given ended up being the best horses for us because they had a feisty spirit and a chip on their shoulder just like we did,” said cowboy Randy Hook. “They were the underdogs just like we were.”
The group would like to spread the word about African American cowboys, who they say have been largely ignored by history. They pointed out that after the Civil War, around 5,000 to 8,000 African American men and women became ranchers and herders.
Hook stated, “We’re trying to be the guys who make it cool to wear Stetson hats and Wrangler jeans in the ’hood.”
We applaud these young men for using their love for horses to help at-risk teens! Keep up the good work, Compton Cowboys!
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