Tony's Boxing Challenge for Youth Opportunity!

My name is Anthony Clark, and I will raise funds for three organizations in Chicago, Illinois, that provide summer and before and after school activities for youth in local opportunity-starved areas.

I have been a special education teacher since 2010, teaching in the city and now at my alma mater, Oak Park and River Forest high school. In my 12 years of teaching, I have lost 16 students tragically to gun violence and 6 students at OPRF.

Gun violence is a pandemic and systemic issue that continues to take the lives of innocent youth. Every year, more than 3,500 children and teens—defined as infants through age 19—are shot and killed in the U.S., and another 15,000 are wounded in shootings, according to the (CDC). Gun Violence has now become the leading cause of death for children.

As a society, we deal with and hear about gun violence so frequently that people become numb to it, normalize it, or have mental and physical struggles.

I was a victim of gun violence and diagnosed with PTSD, and now as a teacher working with youth who are constantly impacted by gun violence, I have observed PTSD-like symptoms in students.

As communities, we have to do more to address gun violence's mental and physical toll on youth and families.

That is why I am challenging myself by training to compete in Chicago’s 2023 Golden Gloves boxing tournament for my age and experience bracket to raise funds for three organizations.

These organizations are working hard to create opportunities for our youth that help them avoid gun violence and productively process their emotions when they are impacted by gun violence.

The Austin Boxing Club, The Austin Family & Community Center, and Root 2 Fruit Foundation are all engaged in ‘boots to the ground’ to support our youth in the Chicagoland area.

I will be training at The Austin Boxing Club, with a slogan of “Gloves Up Guns Down,” under the tutelage of Nate Jones, who runs the club. Nate is a former Olympic and professional boxer who served as Floyd Mayweather's assistant trainer. During his time as a fighter, he won the fabled Golden Gloves tournament in 1994 and 1995 and the heavyweight bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics a year later.

A former and current student will join me in the challenge, as they have also been impacted by gun violence.

Children and teens involved in extracurricular activities surrounded by positive opportunities are better prepared to follow their dreams, thrive, and grow into adulthood. In addition, stakeholders and communities that ensure ample opportunities for children are investing in the future.

Each of the three organizations identified is genuinely invested in the future of our youth. For this reason, I think they are beautiful organizations to donate these funds to.

I greatly appreciate all donations and support and, if possible, welcome all support along this boxing journey.