Established in 1957 as the Southern Area Boys Club, the Roy W. Roberts II Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club has been a cornerstone of youth development in South Los Angeles for over six decades. Founded as a gift to the community from the Los Angeles Times Charities, Inc., it was the first Boys & Girls Club to serve the South Los Angeles area. In 1975, under the leadership of Roy W. Roberts II, the club expanded its mission to include girls, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.



Roy W. Roberts II served as the executive director for 27 years, during which he transformed the club into a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of young people in the Watts and Willowbrook communities. His vision culminated in the development of a new 27,000-square-foot facility, which opened in June 2002, just weeks after his untimely passing. In honor of his legacy, the club was renamed the Roy W. Roberts II Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club.