Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. recently met with coach Albert Brewer to recognize the achievements and continued impact of the Gloves Not Guns boxing program.
Gloves Not Guns traces its roots to the Pine Bluff Boxing Club, founded by Brewer in 2000. In 2014, the program was reestablished as Gloves Not Guns, emphasizing discipline, mentorship and positive development. Today, it serves more than 30 youth participants, according to a news release.
“I started this program to create change and provide our youth with a positive outlet,” Brewer said. “It’s about keeping them off the streets, reducing violence and showing them there is a better path forward.”
The program is open to boys and girls ages 8 and up and holds training sessions Monday through Friday from 6-8 p.m.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
From Feb. 25-28, athletes represented Region 6 at a regional tournament in Independence, Mo., competing against teams from Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia and Louisiana. The local team advanced through state competition in Little Rock and regional qualifiers in Sherwood.
Athletes continue to earn recognition at state and national levels. At the National Silver Gloves, Johnathon Woodall Jr., 9, and Arekay Williams Jr., 9, from James Matthews Elementary School, competed nationally, while Micah Bones, 8, also a student at the same school, advanced to the semifinal round.
At the Arkansas State Golden Gloves, Da’Arrion Spencer, 16, a student at Pine Bluff High School, was recognized for his performance, bringing nine years of boxing experience.
The program is preparing for the Junior Olympics competition this summer and will host a local event in June. Additional details will be announced.
Community members interested in supporting or joining Gloves Not Guns may call (870) 329-3875.