Born in the heart of South Philadelphia, Maleek Jackson knows the odds stacked against Black and Brown children trying to grow up in the nation’s poorest large city.

“Azzim Dukes was my little brother. When he was 17, he was fatally shot while I was serving 10 years in prison. Two of my older brothers were also shot and killed. I’ve seen every form of a broken home that a kid can experience. If we don’t act, most kids from these homes will end up in circumstances like Azzim.”

Pictured above (L-R) are Maleek’s late brothers: Pudd, Darrell, and Azzim

Thanks to the guidance of mentors and the life skills learned from boxing, Maleek outlived his brothers and became a successful business owner.

Now an indisputable champion, Maleek is making sure that every young person has someone in their corner.