Wave Staff Report
COMPTON — The city hosted an installation ceremony jan. 24 for Maxcy D. Filer Square.
The ceremony honored the life and legacy of attorney Maxcy Dean Filer, who died in 2011 after decades of service as a civil rights leader, public servant and community advocate.
Members of the Filer family attended the ceremony and took part in the program. His children, Duane L. Filer, Judge Kelvin D. Filer, Stephanie L. Hoxey and attorney Anthony S. Filer, spoke about his life, his character and the profound influence he had on Compton and on generations of residents.
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters also attended the ceremony.
The family also witnessed the unveiling of the Maxcy D. Filer Square signage installed at the intersection of Arbutus Street and Matthisen Avenue, with one located in front of the Filer family home and the other positioned directly across the street. The Filer family was presented with a miniature replica of the sign to honor Filer’s legacy.
“I hope when people are driving through and they see the sign, I hope they will think about the words on my father’s tombstone, ‘whatever goal you want, whatever your dream is, never ever give up,’” Judge Kelvin D. Filer said.
Known affectionately as “Mr. Compton,” Filer dedicated his life to justice, equity and community empowerment. His civic leadership began with his role as president of the Compton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. During his tenure, he championed voter registration drives, fought housing discrimination and represented Southern California at the historic 1963 March on Washington.
Following the 1965 Watts riots, he testified before the McCone Commission, where he exposed systemic inequities affecting the Black community and advocated for equal access to housing, employment and health care.
Filer was appointed to the Compton Personnel Board in 1971 and was elected to the Compton City Council in 1977. After earning his law degree, he practiced law in Compton, continuing his lifelong commitment to serving residents and advancing justice.
“Maxcy D. Filer was more than a leader, he was the conscience of Compton,” Councilwoman Deidre M. Duhart said. “His lifelong commitment to justice, civil rights and public service laid a foundation that continues to shape our city today. Naming this intersection in his honor ensures that future generations will know his story and be reminded that courageous perseverance and resilient determination can create lasting change.”
The ceremony served as a tribute to a distinguished leader whose influence helped shape the city of Compton and whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
