Boxing Out Negativity

Boxing Out Negativity (BON) is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that empowers youth ages 8+ to realize the best within themselves. It stems from the grassroots efforts of coach and founder Derek Brown, who started his work with Chicago’s West side youth in 2009. Our youth boxing program prioritizes those who are at the highest risk for street involvement. Boxing is just the start of what we do: physical training, civic engagement, team building, and recreation – we embrace our team as family. To reach those who can most benefit, we offer our program at no cost to participants or their families, leaving us entirely dependent upon the generosity of supporters. We also host a number of community anti-violence events, most prominently our annual Street Love Ride, which draws the city together each August to spread love and positivity on the West side. In street intervention, we carry the same values that guide our boxing program – radical inclusivity, accessibility, and a belief in the value of youth empowerment as a means for violence reduction. Boxing Out Negativity: It’s more than a program, it’s a way of life. We hope you join our fight for peace in Chicago!