The Drew League Foundation is more than just basketball and on Saturday, July 29, the 501(C)3 nonprofit organization proved just why they are a staple for the Los Angeles community. The nonprofit hosted a community day filled with games, food, community bonding, special guests, and much more.
Established in 2009, The Drew League Foundation aims to help at-risk-youth and the community of South Los Angeles and surrounding areas by beating the odds and stereotypes that have impacted the community for decades. The goal is to change that perception while simultaneously inspiring the desire to succeed. Creating a home away from home and enhancing young lives is the mission of this foundation.
Saturday’s heat did not stop guests from enjoying the festivities. Adults and kids of all ages came out to enjoy the festivities. The community day event took place outside of Charles R. Drew University, which is across the street from where the Drew League basketball takes place, at King Drew Magnet High School.
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Music was provided by a KJLH, who brought out their street crew. Children were able to jump for joy in jumpers. LA Southbay Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. were in attendance and hosted a voter awareness booth where they offered voter registration and voter education. The event featured a plethora of vendors including the Urban League, Michelle Chambers, Metro Go and U passes, New Designs Charter School, Delete and Divide (Internship Program), and work resources from DPSS, LA County Sheriff Recruitment, HACLA, and Food 4 Less.
Other vendors included Carmen Podcast, A New Way of Life (Transitioning), Assist Program (Mallory/James Worthy), Foster Grandparent Program, St. Johns Community Health/CBWH, Red Cross, LA County DMH (Department of Mental Health), Painted Brain, Covid-19, STD (Sexual Transmitted Disease), Dental Society, and Drew University Mobile Unit.
L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell was in attendance where she acknowledged the Drew League Foundation for all of the hard work they put into the community. In an Instagram post she stated, “For over 51 years, the Drew League has provided mentorship, community, and a pathway to new possibilities for our young people through the sport of basketball. This organization’s love for South Central and tangible support have impacted countless lives and inspired generations of young leaders on and off the court.
“It was a joy to acknowledge co-founder Michael McCaa and the work of the Drew League Foundation at its 2nd Annual Community Day at Charles Drew University and to join in congratulating honorees Sylvia Drew Ivie, Donny Joubert with Watts Gang Task Force, and of course, our champions at King Drew Magnet High School.”
L.A. Councilmember Tim McOsker was all smiles in an Instagram post from the event. He posed with a few attendees and vendors, members behind the Foundation’s success, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
In his post he stated, “Today I attended the Drew League Foundation’s Community Day, a fun-filled event packed with resources and games for our community members at Charles R. Drew University. Based on the belief that ‘when provided an opportunity, you can change the world,’ the Drew League Foundation was established in 2009 and has inspired countless youth, offering them a safe place to grow with mentors who help develop their character while empowering their personalities to thrive.
“Thank you as well to the Watts Gang Task Force, President Donnie Joubert, and all the peacemakers for making this league possible through creating a safe, thriving space for youth in our beloved Watts community.”
For more information on The Drew League Foundation, visit: https://www.drewleaguefoundation.org/.
Fore more information on The Drew League, visit: https://www.drewleague.com/.
