A black and white portrait of a man with a shaved head and beard, sitting with his hand resting on his chin, smiling softly, against a plain textured background.

MALEEK JACKSON

Maleek Jackson is the founder of the Azzim Dukes Initiative and CEO of Maleek Jackson Boxing Gym.

An award-winning community leader, Maleek spent 10 years in prison for a non-violent offense committed when he was just 16. While incarcerated, he discovered a love for boxing and all it teaches about balance, discipline, and life.

After returning home, Maleek coached at Joe Hand’s historic gym before opening his own gym in 2018 on N. 2nd Street in the heart of Northern Liberties. He is a certified USA Boxing Coach and also works as a public speaker and boxing consultant, having trained the cast of "Rocky, the Musical." His memoir is titled "From Incarceration to Inspiration."

Maleek credits his large family and his upbringing in South Philadelphia for instilling in him self-love and the confidence to chart his own path. Having lost three brothers to gun violence, including Azzim, he is determined to help kids develop empowering identities, cultivate creative pursuits, and achieve positive community ties.