Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletics
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Director Reggie Theus was honored as City Champion at the inaugural Inglewood State of the City 2024, using his platform to highlight the importance of Historically Black Colleges (HBCU) in front of an impressive panel of individuals.
The event was held at the Intuit Dome, which is set to open later this summer. The presentation, hosted by Inglewood Mayor James Butts and Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, discussed the city’s growth and the major projects over the past year, including local small businesses.
Other big names highlighting the event included entertainment executive Casey Wasserman of Wasserman Media – who was largely responsible for a successful Los Angeles bid to host the 2028 Summer Olympics – businessman and inventor Patrick Soon-Shiong, minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Arsenal F.C, among many other successful professional sports franchises.
Moderated by former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, others on the economic panel included former NFL offensive lineman and current CEO of tech company Cosm, Jeb Terry, Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff, and Los Angeles sports radio anchor Fred Roggin.
Others honored as Community Champions included activist Mari Morales, founder of nonprofit One for All Kids, Derek Steele, of the Social Justice Learning Institute, Doris Obih, program director of ACEing Autism and CEO of the 40 Love Foundation, and fellow NBA player and coach Byron Scott.
Reggie Theus, recently completing his third year at the wheel of the Wildcats Department of Athletics, while also serving as Men’s Basketball Head Coach, emphasized the unique position of HBCUs in providing opportunities for students who might otherwise be overlooked by larger institutions. He cited his own experiences as a young man in Inglewood as a driving force behind his commitment to HBCU athletics.
The 13-year veteran of the NBA spoke about growing up in Inglewood, and doing something bigger than himself while growing up in a time of segregation and being one of the first black students to integrate Inglewood High School in 1972. Reggie Theus called on local businesses, alumni, and community leaders to increase their support for HBCU, stressing the institutions’ economic and cultural impact on their surrounding areas.
“HBCUs are worthy of the conversation in this country,” remarked Theus. “They give an opportunity to first generation graduates, and we have to support them. [HBCUs] need your help.”
The summit also highlighted some major events coming to Inglewood, including NBA All-Star Weekend and FIFA World Cup in 2026, Super Bowl LVI in 2027, and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“I take on the responsibility to give back, and it’s one of the reasons why I went to Bethune-Cookman” continued Theus, a member of the first NBA All-Star Game in 1981. “I wanted to do something that was bigger than myself. And I go back to having the chance to walk at Inglewood High School and walk down Manchester [Avenue], and it’s what grew me into what I am today.
“So, I thank the city of Inglewood in raising me the right way. And Mayor Butts is such a great leader. Thank you, Inglewood, for all of your support.