Former NBA MVP and Philanthropist Russell Westbrook celebrated the grand re-opening of his Westbrook Academy in South Los Angeles. The academy, a partnership with the L.A. Promise Fund, is expected to serve over 400 middle and high school students.
Russell Westbrook’s Vision for the Future
Russell Westbrook, known for his tenacity on the basketball court, has always been equally passionate about his off-court endeavors. The Westbrook Academy is a exemplification to his dedication to education and community service. Speaking to @GDLA, Westbrook explained his motivation behind partnering with the L.A. Promise Fund, the Tweet read,
“Having grown up in Los Angeles, knowing the resources I didn’t have. And to have an opportunity to partner with L.A. Promise to bring something like this to South LA for their kids, for their families… What’s most important in education is our future. There’s different parts of education that we’ve attacked here. Mental health is a huge part of our operation, our family services is a huge part of our operation. I just want to be able to bring something where kids come to school, enjoy, and have a fun and healthy learning environment.”
Russell Westbrook and the L.A. Promise Fund celebrated the grand re-opening of the Westbrook Academy today in South Los Angeles. The facility is expected to serve over 400 middle and high school students.
Russell Westbrook to @GDLA on why he partnered with L.A. Promise to open… pic.twitter.com/r1OZ8R30Nw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 24, 2024
A Personal Mission
For Russell Westbrook, this project is deeply personal. Growing up in Los Angeles, he experienced firsthand the challenges of limited resources and opportunities. His partnership with the L.A. Promise Fund is a way to give back to the community that shaped him. “I’m LA to the core and I want to represent LA wherever I go,” Westbrook said. “To me, legacy is what you leave behind, not just for my family, but for the people you touch along the way, along your journey. And God has blessed me with this opportunity and platform to be able to do so. And I want to help as many people as possible”
The Grand Re-Opening Event
The grand re-opening event was a celebration of community spirit and educational advancement. It featured guest remarks from Westbrook, Westbrook Academy Chief of Schools Jason Marin, and L.A. Promise Fund President Veronica Melvin. The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the new facilities, showcasing the academy’s commitment to providing a top-tier educational experience.
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