JuJu Watkins: More Than Just a Basketball Star, a Legacy of Giving
For JuJu Watkins, basketball isn’t merely a sport—it’s a vessel for a greater purpose. A name that echoes through Los Angeles, her legacy is more than just her skills on the court; it’s a reflection of the impact her family has made for generations. While her talent in basketball is undeniable, it’s the foundation laid by her family that shapes her vision of success.
Growing up, JuJu was no stranger to community service. Her grandfather, Tim, played a significant role as the leader of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), a nonprofit organization that has worked for decades to empower and uplift the residents of Watts, a neighborhood in South Los Angeles that has faced numerous socio-economic challenges. With this deeply ingrained sense of service, JuJu was raised to understand that her platform could be used for more than just personal gain.
“I have a lot of pride in my last name and my family’s history in L.A.,” JuJu shares with a calm but resolute demeanor. “It always pushes me to think beyond basketball.” She speaks of the weight of carrying a legacy—one not just defined by athletic achievement, but by the powerful contributions her family has made to the community.
Her great-grandfather, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, alongside her grandfather Tim, set the stage for a family ethos centered on justice, community empowerment, and a dedication to helping others. Growing up with these values, it was clear that JuJu’s journey in life would be influenced by far more than just the game of basketball.
While her on-court accolades are impressive—she’s been recognized as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation—JuJu’s broader mission is one of social change. “I’m not just chasing championships,” she explains, “I’m chasing change. There’s a bigger picture here.”
JuJu’s commitment to giving back is reflected in her active involvement in the community. Whether through organizing youth basketball camps, mentoring young girls, or contributing to causes that fight for social justice, she understands that her influence extends beyond the basketball court. She takes her platform seriously, knowing that as a young, Black woman in sports, she has a responsibility to show the next generation that success isn’t just about winning—it’s about making a difference.
For JuJu, it’s not only about being a role model in the athletic sense but also being a beacon for young people who might not have the same opportunities she’s had. She acknowledges the importance of showing others that dreams can come true, but that those dreams must be rooted in purpose. “My family taught me that your success can never just be for you,” she says. “It’s about lifting others as you rise.”
Despite her rising fame as a player, JuJu hasn’t forgotten the lessons passed down to her by her elders. She knows the significance of staying grounded in her roots, maintaining an authentic connection to the communities that helped shape her. This connection manifests in her actions—whether it’s through her charity work, speaking engagements, or even in how she handles the pressures that come with being a top athlete.
“I’ve learned that it’s important to stay connected to where you come from,” JuJu reflects. “I don’t want to just be known for my game. I want to be known for who I am, where I come from, and the change I can help make.”
Her work outside of basketball is as much a reflection of her character as her performance on the court. JuJu is a firm believer in the power of sport to break barriers and build bridges. Through her community outreach, she hopes to encourage young girls, particularly those from underserved areas, to see basketball as not just a game, but a platform to create social change.
As she continues to navigate her athletic career, JuJu’s focus on giving back and fostering change is unwavering. “There’s a lot of pressure to be the best player, but my family’s legacy has taught me that it’s more important to be the best person,” she says with a smile that reflects a deep sense of purpose.
For JuJu Watkins, basketball is not just about records or accolades—it’s a stepping stone toward something greater. It’s about carrying the legacy of her family, making an impact in her community, and using her platform to inspire others to follow their own paths of greatness, both on and off the couse.
