NBA star and philanthropist Russell Westbrook, alongside his wife Nina Westbrook, kids, and a host of community leaders, celebrated the grand reopening of the Westbrook Academy in South Gate, California on Monday.
The event was a true community affair, with local officials, dignitaries, and educators showing their support.
Joining the Westbrook family for the ceremonial ribbon cutting were Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, South Gate Mayor Gil Hurtado, LA Promise Fund President & CEO Veronica Melvin, and the Westbrook’s business partner Donnell Beverly.
“To the kids, all this if for you guys,” Westbrook said in a speech before cutting the ribbon. “To your families, to your loved ones, all this here is for you. I do everything I do for the kids, for the community, for the underserved.”
Westbrook continued, saying, “I’m grateful to be able to stand here and give you guys an opportunity to further your education, further your mental health, further your mental wellness, and be something great in life and do things people say you cannot do.”
With the symbolic cutting of the ribbon, Westbrook underlined the Academy’s purpose: “Education is key to unlocking opportunity. This Academy is a place where dreams can be nurtured, and leaders can be made.”
Founded in 2021 by Russell and Nina Westbrook in partnership with Donnell Beverly and the LA Promise Fund, Westbrook Academy was created to ensure students in South and Southeast Los Angeles have access to high-quality education, leadership development, and athletic programs.
The newly expanded campus now serves grades 6 through 12, providing state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster both academic achievement and personal growth.
Key features of the new campus include:
Modern classrooms with cutting-edge technology
Science labs to spark innovation
A fully equipped film studio
A vibrant student lounge for collaboration and relaxation
Two wellness centers to support emotional and mental health
In addition to these facilities, Westbrook Academy is home to several legacy rooms, sponsored by partners like Leap Theory/Pillars to Prosperity and The Thomas Tull Family Foundation, where students can explore mentorship opportunities and engage in collaborative learning.
The academy’s hallways are lined with inspiring art murals that feature social justice leaders and local icons like Rosa Parks, Kobe Bryant, Cesar Chavez, and Nipsey Hussle, encouraging students to strive for excellence in all they do.
For more information about Westbrook Academy and enrollment opportunities, visit westbrookacademy.org.
