After growing up in North Lawndale and becoming involved in gang life, drug dealing, and ultimately serving time in prison, Derek Brown founded Boxing Out Negativity to help local youth avoid the path he once took.

After 17 years of operating out of his home and park field houses, the boxing-centered nonprofit has opened its first dedicated space at 3252 W. Roosevelt Road, featuring a boxing ring, gym, social services, and youth programs designed to help children navigate the challenges of crime, gang culture, and drugs. Brown hopes the new facility will become a lasting community resource, teaching young people to make the same quick, thoughtful decisions in life that they learn to make in the boxing ring.

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