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“An anchor of its South Los Angeles neighborhood, Mann UCLA Community School celebrated its centennial on April 10 with a visit from NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a mural festival led by Branded Arts, and reminiscences of Mann alumni whose successes inspire the next generation of students.
The day’s festivities began with the dedication of the Skyhook Court, designed and painted by artist Travis Young, a muralist with Branded Arts, and named for Abdul-Jabbar’s nonprofit, the Skyhook Foundation, which is dedicated to providing outdoor Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathmatics (STEAM) experiences for students. Earlier that morning, Mann UCLA students were given special edition LA Lakers jerseys, emblazoned with Abdul-Jabbar’s number “33.” On the Skyhook Court, they received an inspiring message from one of UCLA’s most renowned Bruins.
“Sitting here today is both humbling and inspiring,” said Abdul-Jabbar on the court, surrounded by students. “To be honored in a place dedicated to learning, community, and creativity means a lot to me.”