Patricia Simpson-Lawrence dedicated over 40 years to serving the people of Compton through her work with the Compton Police Department, her role as a community activist, and through the organization she founded and shaped, the Citizens Coalition for Change (formerly known as Concerned Citizens of Compton, Inc.).

​

​Patricia departed this life on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Her leadership, passion, and tireless efforts left a lasting impact on our community, inspiring positive change that will continue in her honor.

​

Rest in peace, dear friend and founder. Your legacy will forever live on in our hearts.​​

​

 

A Legacy of Service and Advocacy

​

Patricia moved to California in December 1968. She attended Southwest College and later enrolled in ROP-PBX School to become a PBX operator. She honed her computer and typing skills at Chester Adult School. During her third week of ROP and typing classes, she was approached by Bernice Dredd from the Compton Unemployment Department and soon after, Patricia was hired for the night shift at the Compton Police Department. While working there, she also took on part-time work with the Federal Reserve, where she served for 24 years.

​

During her time with the Compton Police Department, Patricia became increasingly aware of corruption and nepotism among the city’s elected officials. She began attending City Council meetings to better understand the governance issues plaguing the city. It was here that Patricia gained insight into the workings of local government and identified the extent of corruption occurring within the administration.

Her advocacy began with voicing concerns at City Council meetings and writing disapproval letters to various governmental agencies. In 2000, Patricia spearheaded a recall effort against the sitting mayor. However, during the signature collection process, she faced violent opposition and was forced to turn over the petitions at gunpoint in March 2000.

​

Despite this setback, Patricia’s efforts drew the attention of the community. Many leaders and residents joined her cause, forming a coalition that continued to grow in strength and resolve. As the movement gained momentum, Patricia’s vocal opposition to corruption increasingly put her job at the Compton Police Department in jeopardy. Her colleagues urged her to work behind the scenes, but Patricia remained steadfast in her leadership.

​

As the Founding Director of the Citizens Coalition for Change (formerly known as Concerned Citizens of Compton, Inc.), Patricia continued to lead the fight against corruption in Compton. Through letter-writing campaigns, organizing protests, attending City Council meetings, and hosting town hall meetings, she remained a relentless advocate for justice and transparency in the city she dedicated her life to serving.​