By Cory V. McCray
The Mack Lewis Gym stands as a pillar of history and grit in East Baltimore, a symbol of strength and transformation. Stepping into one of the oldest Black boxing gyms on the East Coast, you are surrounded by stories of triumph and perseverance. At its heart is a large boxing ring, a stage for countless matches that have shaped young lives and fostered hope. Across the walls hang newspaper articles honoring prizefighters who once trained here—including legends like Vincent Pettway, Hasim Rahman and Larry Middleton. These articles are powerful reminders of the gym’s storied history and profound impact.
The gym’s journey began in 1951, when Mack Lewis first opened its doors on Broadway and Eager Street. His vision was simple but profound: to create a safe haven for young people in East Baltimore, offering them discipline, purpose and a path forward through the sport of boxing. That vision remains alive today, carried forward by Gregory Wilkes and Coach Warren Boardley, whose passion and dedication keep the gym thriving.
As a proud graduate of Fairmount Harford Institute, I know firsthand how important spaces like Mack Lewis Gym are for young people. Many of my peers found refuge there, drawn by the organized, regulated and sanctioned boxing matches and the sense of purpose the gym provided. It wasn’t just a gym; it was a community hub where dreams were nurtured and futures reimagined.
I first met Wilkes and Boardley in 2019. Their vision for revitalizing the gym was rooted in honoring its history while building its future. In January 2022, I hosted a fundraiser at the gym—an event designed to provide resources to the organization for using their facility and to raise awareness among those unfamiliar with the gym’s history and importance. During that event, my friend Ray Jackson visited the gym for the first time. Moved by what he saw, Ray made a generous monetary donation and leveraged his network capital, demonstrating the power of believing in a shared vision. His act of generosity motivated me to think critically about how we could build capacity for the organization.
Later that year, we facilitated a $200,000 capital bond initiative to upgrade the gym. Partnering with Jenny Hope at HEBCAC (Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition) as a fiscal sponsor, we implemented critical renovations: new lighting, restroom upgrades, flooring replacement, ceiling tile repairs, and the creation of a computer lab for students. These enhancements revitalized the gym, ensuring it could continue to serve as a safe and inspiring space for the community.
Beyond its physical transformation, the gym remains a cornerstone of East Baltimore. It serves as a hub for organized boxing, academic enrichment, and vital community services. During the pandemic, the gym partnered with the Maryland Food Bank to distribute groceries weekly, providing a lifeline for hundreds of families. It also hosts holiday giveaways, health screenings, and free legal guidance while empowering young scholars with tools for success through its computer lab. The gym prioritizes academics over athletics, a strategy that’s paying off. One young boxer who started training at six recently graduated with honors and is set to attend college in London.
In 2023, the gym faced a new challenge when the new owner of the Church Square Shopping Center increased the rent. While the rise was significant compared to the reduced rate provided by the previous owner, it reflected the true value of the space. We facilitated negotiations and secured funding to cover the rent for the next 10 years, allowing the gym to focus on its mission without the burden of unsustainable overhead costs.
The Mack Lewis Gym embodies the grit and determination of East Baltimore. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities, leaders, and institutions work together to preserve and uplift spaces that matter most. The legacy of Mr. Mack Lewis, who dedicated his life to creating opportunities for young people, lives on in every match held in the ring and every life changed within its walls.
This gym is more than a building; it’s a story of grit, transformation, and the power of collective action. I invite everyone to support spaces like the Mack Lewis Foundation Boxing Gym and Community Center, which continue to prove that with vision, collaboration, and commitment, progress is not only possible but inevitable.
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