Mission

Through education, athletics, mentoring, and intervention, Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) empowers Detroit youth to be positive and productive members of society.

What We Do

Since 2007, founder Khali Sweeney and his team have provided a free, after-school, safe-haven for Detroit youth between the ages of 8 and 18. From humble beginnings in a former car wash with only a handful of students, DBG has grown to currently serve 150 boys and girls, in a renovated printing press. Our students are African-American, Arab-American, and Latino, from 28 different zip codes. The philosophy behind our motto 'Books before Boxing' has encouraged 275 high school graduates and continues to help maintain our 100% high school graduation rate. We serve our mission Monday through Friday, all year long, with a powerful combination of tutoring, academic intervention, enrichment programming, career exposure, college and career readiness, athletics, and community service. Our team provides transportation from school and back home each evening, as well as a daily snack and evening meal. Through countless partnerships, we're able to provide field trips to science and history museums, art institutions, professional sports events, and cultural exchange programs.