Douglas F. Dollarhide witnessed first hand the transformation of Compton, California from a predominantly white Los Angeles suburb into one of the most heavily concentrated African American communities in the United States.

He was elected to the City Council in 1963, becoming its first African American member.

In 1969, Dollarhide made history again, when he became the first black mayor of Compton.

After his election crime rose and property values declined throughout Compton.

Dollarhide died on June 28, 2008, aged 85, at his home in Northridge in the San Fernando Valley.