Dennis RomeroThe city of Compton is no stranger to sensational headlines about its crime, gangs and influence on West Coast rap.
But, if you've been there, you also know that it's an economic engine of a city with a community airport, manufacturing and family values like those that fostered tennis' Williams sisters.
Beauty queen Shanice Mckinley wants to show you that other Compton. She's the city's first contestant in the Miss California USA pageant.
Representing a new generation of contestants, she's already plugging into the web and social networking to promote her candidacy:
Compton gets its first Miss California USA contestant.; Credit: shanicemckinley2011.com
I am dedicated to changing the image of Compton, California. Through reaching my goals of becoming an entrepreneur, I hope to act as a living example and role model for young people in my community.
I was raised by my mother with the idea that education and hard work were the keys to success. Although we did not have much, my mother always encouraged us to work hard and study.
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