BOXING CLUB CAN SPREAD THE ‘LOVE’

It helps underprivileged youngsters learn discipline and self-empowerment

Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. To read more about the American profiled here and more average Americans doing exceptional things, visit onenation.usatoday.com.

What does it mean to you to be an American?

It means everything to me. America is the greatest country in the world, so that just kind of speaks for itself.

What moment motivated you to become part of this effort?

I can’t think of one moment, but basically just wanting to help people and help these kids. A lot of these kids don’t have any guidance, and a lot of these kids are lost, so if the boxing club can provide some guidance for these kids and some direction, especially for kids who don’t necessarily have direction, then we’ve served our purpose.

What gives you hope?

What gives me hope are these kids. I can’t say enough about these kids. They carry the traits that as a community we should have: They are kind kids, respectful kids, loving kids, (and) a lot of times they are concerned more about me or others than they are about themselves.

What concerns you?

What concerns me is the amount of violence that we see. … I just want people to become more caring, more loving, more giving, and I think if we get back to those traits, I think we will be able to turn this situation (with the violence in our city) around.

What do you hope to accomplish through your efforts?

Well, first and foremost, I want these kids to be good kids. I want these kids to be successful kids. I want these kids to be able to graduate high school. I want these kids to, beyond that, be successful in whatever they do ... and I have no doubt and the boxing club has no doubt that that’s going to happen.