The aftermath of the 1965 Watts Riots gave birth to the dream of one Los Angeles citizen. The late Lou Dantzler. Deep in the area of Los Angeles, known as South Central, sprung up a youth center in 1968. It was three years after the Watts Riots, at the site of an abandoned and shuttered Vons’ Grocery Market that a foundation was begun. Located on Vermont Avenue, the building was deeded over to Lou Dantzler for $1.00 by the City of Los Angeles. From within those walls, he built a legacy and youth stronghold of leadership and development that still stands today. It is a much larger place from its humble beginnings. It served in the past and continued to do so, over 200 kids per day Monday through Saturday. Its name is CHALLENGERS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LOS ANGELES.
On Tuesday, April 26th, 2016 Marina del Rey Captain Joseph H. Stephen partnered with “Nike Corporation” President Elliot Hill, local business person Matt Minnis of Pledgeling Technologies LLC and Marina del Rey Community Relations Sgt. Cody Signater, Sgt. Keith Harrison, Sgt. Kelly Hicks, Deputy Michael DelToro, Deputy Levi McIntosh and Volunteer Dennis James for a day of conversation.
Together, as part of Captain Stephen’s broader Community Outreach philosophy, the above individuals descended upon Challengers for an all day, real talk, outreach and a mentoring session with over 250 kids. Large groups and smaller breakout session were conducted for a day-long conversation about, community policing, youth concerns and expectations.
The successful event culminated in the distribution of over 500 pairs of “Nike” footwear as back to school gifts for the youth members of Challengers.
A special thank you to Elliot Hill (NIKE President), Matt Minnis (Pledgeling Technologies Founder), Dr. Mark Goldston (Book Author), Brian Hill (Marketing Director CBGC), and Corey Dantzier (CEO of CBGC). Elliot Hill, Matt Minnis, and Captain Stephen are Texas Christian University alumni.
