Living Legends 66-0 Documentary

HELP US GET OUR AWARD-WINNING FILM BACK IN DISTRIBUTION. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THIS STORY BE TOLD. CLICK THE "DONATE" BUTTON TO DONATE NOW.

I want to let you know how grateful I am to all who have previously supported us. Your support has been crucial to the success of “Living Legends 66-0”, our award-winning film. Living Legends 66-0 gained many enthusiastic viewers in a few short months of distribution, garnered several film festival awards, and received compelling reviews elevating the image of the city of Compton. Compton! Is there anything good that comes out of Compton? I am Dr. Michael Hopwood and I was a part of not only something good that came out of Compton, but something great. I grew up in an impoverished family in Compton and Watts during the turbulent 60’s. As the nation was gripped by the Watts riot and the emergence of the civil rights movement, an all-black high school basketball team in post-riot Compton, California was led by a white head coach whose courage 54 years ago made history possible. I was captain of that Compton High School basketball team that began the record for the most victories without a loss in California history as well as student body president my senior year 1968.

Future Hall of Fame Coach Bill Armstrong arrives in Compton California without a family in time for the 1965 Watts riots and resulting white flight from neighboring Compton. This real life story is not just about his coaching genius and principled life that earns him a place in the coaching hall of fame, but about the players, their life off the court, the incredible success they achieved on the court and the mutual love and respect that takes over the city with a sense of pride and self-worth and earns them the title of living legends.

We won 66 consecutive games through the 1968, 1969, 1969-1970 seasons along with back-to-back undefeated State and National Championships. Our coach, Bill Armstrong, was one of the most legendary coaching figures in California high school sports history. Named among ESPN’S Fabulous 50 All-Time Winningest High School Basketball Teams, 2023 marked the 54th anniversary of that historic accomplishment. It’s a record that remains unbroken today. As National Champions, we represented the state of California and the nation even though we faced many injustices and discrimination during that time. We did not set out to make history but we did not run from it either.

Our mission is to continue to tell the world our story. Our story of our coach and players overcoming poverty, racism, and social injustice is one that needs to be known. The documentary has won five film awards including the prestigious Award of Merit from the IndieFEST Film Awards in two categories.

You can help us to go further. If you are able, we would love it if you could donate any amount to help us get and keep our film in distribution.

Your past support of the Documentary Living Legends 66-0 has been critical to its success. Your contributions have gone towards the $48,000 in total production cost. We are working to overcome attempts to steal the copyrights and ownership to the story. Those same individuals made false claims to force the film out of distribution. Your contribution will go toward legal fees and cost associated in defending the film estimated to be $17,000. Just because you get knocked down in sports does not mean you have to stay there. Life is the same way. Life is full of choices, starting when you wake up each day. You can choose to open your eyes and face the day, or you can choose to just lay there and die. If you choose life, then make the most of it. I believe in this film. I choose to fight on. We are currently in a legally binding arbitration and concurrent mediation to fight these false claims and get our film back in distribution. A final decision is expected by December, any additional support including distribution would be greatly appreciated.

You can make a donation here online at our Living Legends 66-0 GoFundMe Page.

You can mail a donation by check or money order (no cash please) to Dr. Michael L. Hopwood P.O. Box 370 Maricopa, AZ 85139. Put Att: 66-0 on the bottom of your check or you can make a donation using PayPal.  Help us publish our documentary and inspire others by donating today.