Legacy vs. Legacy Gala: Celebrating the Past, Powering the Future of the L.A. Watts Summer Games
The Californer/10318908

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- The L.A. Watts Summer Games are making a powerful return August 8–9, 2025, starting with the Legacy vs. Legacy Black-Tie Gala on Friday, August 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Carson Event Center, 801 Carson St., Carson, CA. This elegant evening honors the history of the Games while looking toward their future. Among the evening's honorees is 97-year-old basketball legend Lo Clark, whose legacy as a mentor, coach, and WWII veteran continues to inspire. We'll also recognize the family of Lou Dantzler and other founding figures whose leadership shaped this important movement.

The evening will include tributes, cultural performances, dinner, a silent auction, and purple carpet arrivals. Guests will have the opportunity to network and reconnect with local sports legends and professional athlete alumni. The program will also highlight new directions for the Games, including the inclusion of Cricket and Rugby.

On Saturday, August 9, the action moves to Susan Miller Dorsey High School for the Revival Showcase, running from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This community-focused event will preview the 2026 Games and feature FIFA-style soccer clinics, historical exhibits, and a symbolic "Revival Match" connecting past and future athletes. The event also expands the scope of the Games with a holistic youth development approach, including mental health (Envision Youth Services), financial literacy (Play Black Wall Street), para-athletics (Sign with Me), and college readiness (William H. Douglas Foundation).

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With interactive booths, food vendors, surprise guests, and sports exhibitions, the weekend offers a powerful reminder of what's possible when a community comes together to invest in its youth.

Founded in 1968 after the Watts Riots, the Games have long been a symbol of unity and opportunity. As L.A. prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, this revival ensures that the legacy continues.

More info: friendsofthelawsg.org | Call 213-331-0479
Media inquiries: Joy Parris | jparris@richgirlproductions.com