A Night Of Celebration At The L.A. Watts Summer Games Legacy Gala

CBS2 Sports Director Jim Hill Honored Alongside Community Legends at Revival Dinner

Presented by Khalifa Bey Founder and Executive Director, The L.A. Watts Summer Games Legacy Gala brought together community leaders, VIPs, and media. The evening honored CBS2 Sports Director Jim Hill who also served as co-host. It celebrated the revival of one of Los Angeles’ most storied youth sports traditions.

Hill, a former NFL defensive back and legendary sportscaster, co-hosted the event. He worked alongside Kim Estes, an Emmy Award-winning actor. He also collaborated with Tyrone DuBose, an R&B Historian and California Music Hall of Fame Inductee. Presenters included Rawcel Cooks (Songwriter/Performer, Black Eyed Peas history) and Rodney Allen Rippy Jr. (Former child star and producer).

Honorees

• Lou Dantzler – Visionary leader, educator, and founder of the L.A. Watts Summer Games
  
• Lorinzer “Lo” Clark – Basketball legend, mentor, and author
  
• Dennis Love – Founder, Southern League Connection
  

VIP Guests

Jennifer Pierce (KCAL News | CBS Los Angeles) was in attendance. Michael Roth (VP of Communications, AEG) was also present. James Hays (Plasma Solutions, LLC / PlasmaGenix Corporation) attended as well. Mustafa Khan (President, Southern California Junior Cricket Academy) was there. Queen Aminah (President, Leimert Park Merchants Association) also participated.

Committee leaders supporting the revival included Kevin M. Caliup (Vice Chair, L.A. Watts Summer Games), Dameion “Lucky” Smith (Director/Sporting Division), Devon Truvel (Founder, Play Black Wall Street), Angelique Miller (Logistics & Operations), and Dr. D’yann E. Crosby (Ability Inclusion Director).

About the Honorees

• Jim Hill – A respected figure in sports and broadcasting, Hill has over five decades of excellence. He has covered the Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Finals, and championship seasons for the Lakers and Dodgers. He holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hill is inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He actively champions youth initiatives such as the L.A. Watts Summer Games.
  
• Lorinzer “Lo” Clark – A four-sport athlete and WWII veteran. He was a 38-year referee who mentored Kobe Bryant, Andre Miller, and Dennis Johnson. At 98, his legacy continues as a living bridge between eras of sports and social progress.
  
• Lou Dantzler – Founder of the Games in 1968. He transformed a track meet into one of the nation’s largest youth sports festivals. His vision used athletics to unite youth across racial and cultural divides. It left a lasting impact even after his passing in 2003.
  
• Dennis Love – Former Fremont High star athlete. He is the co-founder of the Southern League Hall of Fame. This institution celebrates athletes and coaches who broke racial barriers. They achieved national recognition. His work preserves an essential chapter of Los Angeles’ Black sports history.
  

About the L.A. Watts Summer Games

The Games were founded in 1968 after the Watts Riots. They grew into one of the largest high school athletic competitions in the nation. They have fostered unity and opportunity for thousands of youth. After pausing in 2013 due to financial challenges, the Games are now being revived through Friends of the L.A. Watts Summer Games, continuing their mission as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics. For more details, visit friendsofthelawsg.org.

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