17-year-old Michael uses boxing for moments of escape from his violent Chicago community. But, when a gang won’t stop using his brother, he leaves his gloves behind and does what he feels he must to protect his family.

Chicago remains one of the most segregated and economically disproportionate cities in the US. Compounding this is rampant gang and gun violence which continues to impact youth coming from the city’s western and southern parts, mainly Black/African & Brown/Latin American Children. This is not an unheard of narrative, but it is one many choose to ignore.

Every child needs a childhood free of violence. Every kid needs a childhood where they don’t have to worry about the safety of their family in their neighborhood, where they don’t have to resort to violence themselves in order to survive. Please help us ignite more conversations, and progressive change.