Russell Westbrook Paying It Forward in His Hometown, On and Off the Court
Russell Westbrook, a basketball Hall of Famer known for his explosive athleticism on the court, has also become a source of hope and opportunity off the court. Despite his impressive performances and nine NBA All-Star appearances, his contributions to the community where he grew up are shaping an enduring legacy that goes beyond basketball.
Westbrook made headlines after investing in a community redevelopment project in South Los Angeles, an area he holds dear. However, his latest venture is even more intimate. Little Kitchen Academy, a cooking school based on Montessori teachings and located in Century City, has teamed up with him to teach practical life skills and food literacy. Westbrook’s generous support has allowed thousands of underserved children in Los Angeles to attend classes at the academy.
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“Everything I do is based around the inner city and the community and finding ways to uplift and bring opportunities to kids that don’t have an opportunity to be able to come to places like this. I feel like that’s my purpose in the position I’m in,” Westbrook explained, reflecting on his commitment to giving back to his community.
Westbrook’s devotion to Los Angeles is unwavering, regardless of his NBA team. This latest partnership shows his dedication to the city that raised him. Little Kitchen Academy and Westbrook will collaborate to provide scholarships to over 10,000 children, ensuring they can take advantage of the academy’s unique programs.
“Every child deserves to develop a healthy relationship with food,” said Brian Curin, co-founder of Little Kitchen Academy. “It’s a survival skill, which people don’t realize. It’s not just cooking.”
Curin’s statements highlight the greater importance of the academy’s mission, which encompasses culinary education and promotes confidence, independence, and lifelong skills in its students.
The partnership with Little Kitchen Academy started when Westbrook’s wife, Nina, took their children there. Russell was impressed by the positive impact the experience had on their kids and decided to get involved and extend the opportunity to as many children as possible.
“Building confidence at their age is so important developmentally,” Nina Westbrook emphasized, underscoring the significance of the academy’s approach to education. The cooking academy’s joy often extends to the children’s homes. “I really like to help my mom,” A young student shared, demonstrating the pride and accomplishment the program promotes. Westbrook’s family humorously pointed out that he may want to avoid cooking as a hobby due to his exceptional basketball skills.
“I did all of the things. Overheated, overcooked, undercooked,” Westbrook admitted with a smile. “I just learned cooking wasn’t my calling.”
Despite his challenges in the kitchen, Westbrook persists in sharing his blessings with the city he will always call home.
“I’m LA to the core. I grew up here in LA, and honestly, my main goal is when people think of the underserved and the inner city of Los Angeles, I want [people] to think about me and my foundation and the things that we’re able to do in the city,” he said. Westbrook left the Los Angeles Clippers to join the Denver Nuggets this summer. Regardless of where his basketball journey takes him, his commitment to uplifting his hometown remains unwavering. Russell Westbrook’s actions demonstrate that true greatness is measured in points and assists, in the lives he touches, and in the opportunities he creates for future generations.
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