Atlanta, GA, September 8, 2025
News Summary
In a neighborhood plagued by crime, the Atlanta Phoenix Boxing Club provides mentorship and boxing skills to at-risk youth. Co-directed by Marlon Richardson and Umunique’Danielle, the nonprofit offers a supportive environment focusing on personal development and educational assistance. With a motto of ‘From guns to gloves,’ the program aims to transform lives and guide participants aged 12 to 21 towards a more positive future.
Atlanta – In a neighborhood often overshadowed by crime and despair, the Atlanta Phoenix Boxing Club is providing a glimmer of hope for at-risk youth. Located near Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, an area recognized as troubled, the club offers children a pathway to a better future through mentorship, self-discipline, and the sport of boxing.
Co-directed by Marlon Richardson and Umunique’Danielle, this nonprofit organization operates under the umbrella of Big Fish Outreach Ministries. The program specifically targets youth aged 12 to 21, aiming to guide them through the challenges they face in their daily lives. Typically, about 15 kids are enrolled at any given time, many of whom come from juvenile justice programs seeking a more productive outlet for their frustrations.
The couple’s commitment to the community is deeply personal. Umunique’Danielle’s drive to help stems from her own experiences with her son, who struggled with gang influence and had to regularly report to a probation officer. Their mission is to inspire hope in children who have, until now, seen none.
Boxing serves as a twofold remedy: it provides a physical outlet for pent-up aggression while instilling life skills such as conflict resolution and emotional management. Participants engage in both indoor and outdoor training sessions, and beyond boxing, the program also assists these youths in obtaining their high school diplomas, ensuring their future educational opportunities remain intact.
The motto “From guns to gloves” symbolizes the transformation the club seeks to facilitate, reminding participants that they have the potential to redirect their energy into something productive and positive. Kids like 14-year-old Jermise Smith have expressed how boxing enables them to channel their frustrations constructively, while another participant, Jyhid Caldwell, uses the sport as an effective avenue to relieve anger.
In addition to boxing skills, the program fosters a nurturing environment where young people feel supported and encouraged. Marlon emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, consistently motivating participants to become their best selves through personal development and discipline.
The Atlanta Phoenix Boxing Club not only teaches its participants how to fight in the ring but also how to combat the negative influences that surround them. By instilling a sense of purpose and community, the club proves to be much more than a boxing gym; it is a sanctuary that nurtures the hopes and dreams of many young individuals in a struggling neighborhood.
As the program continues to grow, it remains a vital resource, demonstrating the powerful impact that sports and mentorship can have on at-risk youth. By providing skills for both sports and life, the Atlanta Phoenix Boxing Club is paving the way for a brighter future for the young residents of its community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Atlanta Phoenix Boxing Club?
- The Atlanta Phoenix Boxing Club is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting at-risk youth in a troubled neighborhood through boxing and mentorship.
- Who runs the Atlanta Phoenix Boxing Club?
- Marlon Richardson and Umunique’Danielle co-direct the club, which operates under Big Fish Outreach Ministries.
- What age group does the program serve?
- The program primarily serves youth aged 12 to 21 years.
- How many kids participate in the program?
- Typically, around 15 kids are enrolled in the program at any given time.
- What activities does the program offer?
- The program includes indoor and outdoor boxing training and assistance in obtaining high school diplomas.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Age Group | 12 to 21 years |
| Enrollment | Around 15 kids at a time |
| Key Activities | Indoor and outdoor boxing, educational assistance |
| Motto | From guns to gloves |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Atlanta nonprofit using boxing to help at-risk youth
- Wikipedia: Youth sports
- CBS46: Fulton County police officer involved in car crash, Atlanta police say
- Google Search: Community boxing programs
- Press Enterprise: Riverside nonprofit that helps at-risk youth will reach a milestone in 2025
- Google Scholar: Mentorship programs for youth
- LA Times: Boxing program in Watts helps at-risk youth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boxing and youth
- 11Alive: Boxing program helps at-risk youth
- Google News: Youth boxing mentorship
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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