Local Legends
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
Raised in Watts, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke starred at USC and then traveled the world as she became one of the greatest women's basketball players of all-time. 
Local Legend: Compton's John Brown
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
Bodybuilder John Brown grew up in Compton, and he went on to win two Mr. Universe and three Mr. World championships.
John Brown won the Mr. Universe title in 1981 and 1982, and he was one of the biggest stars in bodybuilding over the course of his career.
Local Legend: Courtney Morgan
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
Courtney Morgan achieved his goals of playing college football and obtaining a degree. Now he is helping others do the same. Photo by Jason Lewis
Local Legends: Warren Moon and James Lofton
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
Warren Moon (top photo) was an All City quarterback at Hamilton High School in 1974, and he went on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career. James Lofton was a star player at Washington High School before having a record setting Hall of Fame career in the NFL as a wide receiver. Here he poses with Washington Prep’s Athletic Director Kim Bly, who appreciated Lofton coming back and offering words of wisdom to the student body. Photos by Jason Lewis
Local Legend: Eric Yarber
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
“Dream big and never give up on your dreams. With hard work and know how, you can be successful in anything that you attempt.”
Eric Yarber dreamed big, which led him from Crenshaw High School to playing in the NFL, and now he is the wide receiver coach at UCLA. Photo by Jason Lewis
Reggie Theus
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
After playing basketball at Inglewood High School and UNLV, Reggie Theus played 13 seasons in the NBA.
Tommy Hawkins reflects on life through his poetry
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
Former NBA star and famed broadcaster broke barriers, traveled, fell in love with jazz, lived life, all with a winning smile on his face.
Tommy Hawkins (right) has larger than life experiences, and he routinely rubbed elbows with the most famous people in the world, such as Wilt Chamberlain.
Remembering Walt Hazzard (1942-2011), The Player, The Man
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
Hazzard was a legend in the basketball world, but for those that knew him, he was an even greater person off the court.
Walt Hazzard (left), pictured with Reggie Miller, will be known as a great basketball player and coach, but he took it upon himself to lead young people in a direction of success.
Local Legends: Jim McElroy
- By Jason Dougas Lewis
- In Local Legends
Former Washington Prep and UCLA star is driven in a new direction now; parenting, teaching, and coaching.
McElroy was an All City football player at Washington Prep High School, and while at UCLA he set records for most yards per catch in a season and in a career, and in kickoff return yards. He also was an All American in track and field.
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