Odessa Cox’s dream took decades of hard work to become Los Angeles Southwest College. It stands as a testament to the power of community action. Let’s explore the history and significance of this institution.
Los Angeles Southwest College or LASC is a public community college in West Athens. It’s part of the Los Angeles Community College District. Its service area includes Inglewood, Hawthorne, Gardena, Westmont, and West Athens. LASC was established in September 1967. This came two years after the Watts riots. Officials and citizens felt not enough was being done to educate the area’s African American population. The college sits at Western Avenue and Imperial Highway. It is the only community college in South Central Los Angeles.
Odessa B. Cox and her husband Raymond Cox opened Utopia Cleaners in Watts in 1945. They were strong believers in education. Odessa joined the Parent Teachers Association. She pushed for better educational experiences for local students. She specifically wanted to change the image of African Americans in textbooks.
Cox and supporters lobbied for a college in South Los Angeles. Residents had to ride a trolley downtown. Then they caught a bus to Los Angeles City College. The trip took two hours one way. Cox surveyed area high school students. Many said they would attend college if they could walk or bicycle there.
In 1950, Cox and others formed The South Central Junior College Committee. This group influenced the Los Angeles Unified School District. The district purchased 54 acres of land for $3,500 per acre. This was the eventual site of Los Angeles Southwest College. A sign announcing the college’s arrival was placed on the site in 1950.
After the Watts Rebellion, things moved quickly. A commission determined the rebellion was caused by a lack of jobs and educational opportunities. Sandra Cox, Odessa’s daughter, believed the riots caught the school district’s attention. In January 1967, the Board of Education earmarked $2 million to open the college.
At 3:30 a.m. on July 11, 1967, Odessa Cox and colleagues met to watch the delivery of 13 bungalows from Los Angeles City College. Classes started September 11, 1967. More than 600 students registered. There were 22 full-time faculty members. Dr. John Grasham was LASC’s first president. The original curricula focused on liberal arts and academic transfer.
By 1976, student numbers had increased to more than 5,000. The faculty consisted of more than 100. The 13 original bungalows increased to 31. Construction had started on permanent facilities. New facilities were eventually developed. These included a library, theater, and student services center. On Feb. 20, 1987, Building B was renamed the Odessa Cox Building.
Today, Los Angeles Southwest College is undergoing a major transformation. This is thanks to over $400 million in funds. The college’s modernization includes new technology in existing buildings. New “green” facilities are being built.
LASC has secured over $500 million of bonds to complete its master facilities plan by 2025. As a “green campus”, LASC has a college-wide recycling program. Most of its buildings will meet some level of LEED standard.
Notable alumni include Larry Brown, Super Bowl XXX MVP. Also Othyus Jeffers, former NBA player, and Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment.
Los Angeles Southwest College celebrated its 50th year in 2017. Today, LASC has over 8,000 students. There are more than 300 faculty and staff. LASC’s vision is getting closer to being fully realized. It remains a vital resource for the community.