Straight Back To Compton: Venus And Serena Williams Go Home

COMPTON (CBSLA.com/AP) — Venus and Serena Williams returned to their childhood California hometown Saturday to have tennis courts dedicated in their honor.

It was the first time they visited Compton since 2003 when their half-sister was murdered there in a drive-by shooting.

The sisters were greeted by cheers, cheerleaders, and a band when they arrived Saturday at Lueders Park, not far from their former home in the violence-plagued city of Compton.

"It's great to be home," Venus remarked, "we literally lived right down the street."

Banners hung in the four corners of the two newly refurbished courts proclaiming them the Venus & Serena Williams Court of Champions.

"We definitely want to see more champions made from these courts because that's really what it's all about," Serena said.

Serena says driving to Compton from the Los Angeles airport "brought back so many memories."

Venus says it's been "surreal" coming home to where they first learned to play tennis under the tutelage of their father, Richard, who didn't attend. The sisters were accompanied by their mother, Oracene Price.

CBS2's Tina Patel was there to witness the dedications.

The sisters are also building a community resource center. It will aim to help others who have been touched by senseless violence.

The sisters sais they wanted to see something positive come out of their tragedy.

Sister Lyndrea Price said, "So many other people suffer the same way, and to be able to get counseling when you don't have any, that resource is so amazing. So I'm excited they can do it."

Compton Mayor Aja Brown said the tennis courts and resource center will be invaluable.

"This is definitely a beautiful marker in the sand and hopefully turning something that used to be a dark place into something very light," Brown said.

Fans of the Williams' sisters couldn't get enough of them or their inspiring message.

"Oh my God," said Sandra Lightner, "the example they set, to let the kids know, to let everyone know, there is hope here Compton -- that we can be whatever we strive to be."

Jada Hunt, 10, was also mightily impressed.

"It was so fun because I've never seen them [in person]. I always watch them on TV. So now my dream came true to meet them," she said.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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