Each year has been getting bigger and better for Boxing Out Negativity (BON).
Originally formed as the North Lawndale Boxing League more than a decade ago, BON operated for years on the sidewalks of North Lawndale and out of the coach’s house, largely funded out of his own pocket. After years of self sacrifice on behalf of our city’s youth, the coach’s work gained new life with BON’s incorporation as a 501(c)3 in July of 2018.
Our team is deeply grateful to the community partners who have helped us enhance our services. We currently work from borrowed spaces at Franklin Park and BBF Family Services and benefit from partnerships with Working Bikes, Open Books, Play Like a Champion Today, the North Lawndale Athletic and Recreation Association, and so many more.
Bolstered by funding and other forms of support from Global Material Technologies, the Springboard Foundation, Sanabul Sports, and others, we have been able to increase our participation in Chicago Park District and USA Boxing competitions, provide our youth with team uniforms and apparel – especially critical for its contribution to their “safe passage” through the community – and offer team-building experiences with meals, trips, and other special events.
Still, the need for our services is great. We had more than 80 youth ages 8+ pass through our doors looking for assistance last year, with a daily capacity that sits closer to 30. We are building toward “hiring from within” to provide young adults from our neighborhood with job opportunities that would enhance their coaching skills while allowing our younger participants to benefit from their mentorship, and we could use a van to assist in transportation to and from practice and for team events. If you are in a position to support our mission through donations or volunteer work, contact us at info@boxingoutnegativity.org. We would love to work with you. Our youth are relying on us!
*Thank you to Emily Allison of Hey Sisters! Photography for the ringside photo! Check them out: https://www.heysistersphotography.com/
