℅ VIBE.com
“Straight Outta Compton snagged a record-breaking opening weekend by raking in a cool $56.1 million dollars, the best of any R-rated movie released in August. But while F. Gary Gray and his standout cast celebrate their theatrical win, the city of Compton can’t flood the theaters to support the film–because there are no theaters in Compton.
CBS Los Angeles pointed out the unfortunate circumstance. According to USC sociology professor Manuel Pastor, the so-far critically-acclaimed N.W.A. biopic is not available to the hometown of the legendary rap group because of its economic standing.
“It’s a low income area, it’s been heavily dis-invested in,” USC professor of sociology Manuel Pastor said. “When you live in a community that doesn’t have that kind of retail, it’s a sign that the community is devalued and people within the community feel devalued.”
The news station reports that negotiations are underway to bring a entertainment complex to the California city, one which includes 16-screen cinema, Compton City Manager Johnny Ford confirmed. The proposed area would also include thirty percent of retail space.
While the city awaits new retailers, Dr. Dre is slated to use the earnings from his Compton album to build a new arts and entertainment center for the city’s children.”
