From Court to Community: Russell Westbrook Scores Big For South LA

LA Clippers star Russell Westbrook is giving back to the community he grew up in.  

The NBA star recently shared that he’s helping to bring retail businesses to a new South Los Angeles community that's being developed. The area of the project was burned to the ground during civil unrest after a video revealed the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers in 1992. 

Westbrook recently took to social media to announce the project he’s proud to be an integral part of. 

“Proud to be investing in my community, South Central LA. We’re building 180 affordable housing units, surrounded by community centered businesses and anchored by @target. Real LA native,” he captioned the Instagram announcement that included two photos. 

In a video also shared on his Instagram page, the project is explained by Westbrook, LA City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Pastor Jeffrey Lewis of New Antioch Church of God and Vermont Knolls Resident Association’s Elle Perrault. 

“This Black History Month, we celebrated resilience, progress and unity in our communities in the heart of Los Angeles on a site that was burned to the ground during the 1992 Los Angeles civil unrest,” they explained in the video. “‘Evermont’ stands tall as a beacon of collaboration between the city, county, local and business communities.” 

The video continues to explain the importance of the project and what’s to be expected. In addition to the 180 affordable homes, a SEED school and retail businesses, they explained the project will provide local jobs.

“Beyond retail, ‘Evermont’ will provide local jobs which are pathways to economic equity, dignity, and a brighter future. This project showcases the strength that emerges when we invest in our communities of color,” they continued. “From neglect to the symbol of rebirth, ‘Evermont’ is rewriting the story of South LA.”

"Evermont" is currently coming to its final stages of construction. In addition to the homes and retail businesses, a SEED school, which opens next month, and South LA Cafe will also be part of the project. Abnd each part of the project has a local hiring initiative. 

The residential part of the project is led by BRIDGE Housing and CRCD and will consist of Vista@Evermont, 62 permanent supportive housing apartments for seniors who have experienced homelessness. They combine affordable housing with behavioral health and social services.  Luminus@Evermont will include 118 affordable homes for low-income families, including 60 permanent supportive housing units.

“The Evermont project at Vermont and Manchester is a game changer that will bring new housing, retail, and a school to a site that has been left vacant and blighted since the 1992 civil uprising,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard.

“BRIDGE is proud to be the co-lead on the housing portion of this transformative investment. We greatly appreciate the role of Russell Westbrook and Primestor in developing the retail component of the project. Many strong partners in the public and private sectors are coming together to bring this important project to life.”

Giving back is important to Westbrook who founded his "Russell Westbrook Why Not?" Foundation in 2012. According to the foundation's website, the foundation "aims to create pathways of empowerment for the underserved population."

"The foundation is committed to the perseverance of at-risk communities by implementing structured educational opportunities, workforce development and accessible mental health resources," the About section on the website continues.

In January, Russell Westbrook Enterprises joined the ownership group in Arizona Athletic Grounds to focus on basketball programming for AAG and community engagement through his foundation.

According to a press release, Westbrook is investing in the 320-acres sports complex in Mesa, Arizona.

Arizona Athletic Grounds offers various athletic programming and events for all ages. The facility is home to eight baseball and softball fields, 19 basketball courts, 57 indoor volleyball courts, 41 pickleball courts, 24 soccer fields, football and lacrosse fields and much more.