A beauty pageant contestant from the crime-ridden Compton, California made famous by 1990s gangster rap is hoping to improve her city's reputation.
Shanice McKinley, 25, is hoping her participation in the Miss California USA beauty pageant -- a first for a Compton resident in more than 20 years -- will help change some of the negative stereotypes people have about her city.
"She said she decided to become one after a talent scout sent her the Miss California USA application packet because she wants to serve as a positive role model for young people in her city.
Too often, McKinley said, Compton people who succeed move away.
'They don't come back to the community to show the rest of the people that if I can do it, you can do it,' she said."
FULL STORY: Compton beauty pageant contestant seeks to burnish her city's image
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