More than 2,000 community members gathered at Compton/Woodley Airport on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for the first-ever Built Different: Youth Empowerment & Mental Wellness Summit, a free community event focused on healing, mentorship, mental wellness, and opportunity for youth and families across Los Angeles County.
Hosted by Wins & Lessons Foundation alongside Take Action LA, Compton Unified School Board Member Michael Hooper, Mentors 2 the Trenches, and the Al Barro Foundation, the event transformed the space into a day filled with conversation, connection, resources, and community support.
The Community Gathered And Showed Its Support
Throughout the afternoon, attendees participated in panel discussions, wellness activations, mentorship conversations, sports activities, giveaways, horseback rides, helicopter rides, free food, and interactive experiences centered around emotional wellness, resilience, and personal growth.
The summit also provided direct support to families in attendance, with more than 1,500 wellness and care packages distributed throughout the day. Sponsored in part by Amazon, the bags included journals, school and writing supplies, household essentials, and baby necessities such as diapers, wipes, and formula.
Featured speakers and participants included Jay Cinco, Watts Homie Quan, Morgan Westbrook, Angel The God, and licensed clinical social worker Dr. Krystyl Wright, who led honest conversations surrounding grief, trauma, mental health, overcoming adversity, and healing within underserved communities.
“What we witnessed at Built Different was bigger than just an event,” organizers shared. “People are looking for spaces where they feel seen, supported, and poured into. The response from the community showed us how important it is to continue creating opportunities centered around healing, mentorship, and real resources.”
A Day Centered Around Community Healing
Following the success of the summit, organizers are now preparing to expand the movement through Mentors 2 the Trenches, an ongoing initiative focused on youth mentorship, violence prevention, emotional wellness, workforce readiness, and year-round community programming throughout Los Angeles.
Upcoming efforts will include continued community activations, mentorship initiatives, workforce development opportunities, healing-centered conversations, and back-to-school support programming scheduled for August 2026.
Organizers also confirmed plans for another large-scale community activation later this summer, with more details expected to be announced soon.
Community members, volunteers, organizations, and sponsors interested in supporting future initiatives are encouraged to get involved as the movement continues to grow.
To support, donate, volunteer, or stay updated on upcoming initiatives, visit:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-us-bring-hope-healing-and-resources-back-to-compton
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