Honoring and recognizing Fred Jenkins, Sr. for his work as a boxing coach and youth mentor and his retirement from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation after 45 years of service.

WHEREAS, Fred Jenkins, Sr. began going to the Athletic Boxing Club “ABC Gym” at the Athletic Recreation Center at 26th and Master streets as a young boxer in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Jenkins began assisting with training youth boxing program, and then leading it 1973, going on to serve as the Recreation Lead 1 at the Rec Center, training boxers of all ages and skill levels; and

WHEREAS, Under Jenkins’s watch the program flourished, eventually overseeing the annual Lucien Blackwell Amateur Boxing Tournament every fall, which attracted rising amateur boxers and spectators from all around the Mid-Atlantic region, an opportunity for the young athletes to show off their hard work and training; and

WHEREAS, Jenkins saw himself as more than a coach to the young boxers; he served as a mentor, father-figure, lawyer, mediator, and even made home-visits to help resolve neighborhood conflicts - all stemming from his desire to leave an impact on the youth by teaching them sportsmanship and encouraging them to make positive contributions to society; and

WHEREAS, Jenkins has trained more than 2,000 fighters throughout his career, many who went on to box professionally at the highest levels, including the Olympic Gold medalist David Reid and International Federation Boxing Champion “Choo Choo” Charlie Brown; and

WHEREAS, Jenkins was recognized for his extensive contribution to the sport of boxing, being inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Outside of the ring, Jenkins was a real-life father figure, raising nine children, including his son Fred Jenkins, Jr., who became a professional boxer in his own right; and

WHEREAS, Jenkins, well known for his hard work and compassion for the youth that came into his gym, is respected by his former co-workers and the North Philadelphia community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and recognizes Fred Jenkins, Sr. for his work as a boxing coach and youth mentor and his retirement from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation after 45 years of service.

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