Hero Story

Khali Sweeney could have easily gone down the wrong path in life. Everything was stacked against him. He grew up on Detroit's east side in a violent neighborhood. The adults around him did not provide the safety, security, support or guidance he needed. In school, he was passed from grade to grade all the way to 11th grade without ever learning to read or write. The system failed him and he was told repeatedly by society that he would be "dead or in jail" before he was 21. He heard that so often, he actually believed it. Then, one day, after realizing most of his friends were dead or in jail – he decided to write his own narrative. Khali got the help he needed to learn to read and write. When he saw firsthand that education is the key to success, he wanted to tell as many young people as he could possibly reach. Khali took every penny he ever earned and used it to open the Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG), a FREE academic and athletic program that helps students succeed in school and in life. Since 2007, he has worked tirelessly to provide the tools, resources, mentors, role models and opportunities students need to succeed, no matter the subject, the size of their dreams, or the barriers they might face. For 16 straight years – the Downtown Boxing Gym's amazing and hardworking students have had a 100% high school graduation rate. The students do the work to achieve this milestone, but Khali and the DBG team provides the inspiration. DBG delivers a powerful combination of individualized intervention and enrichment programming to train kids for life. Through academics, athletics, science, technology, engineering, art, math, music programming, cooking classes, computer coding, college and career readiness, social emotional skills building, and so much more, the gym makes a positive impact on the 200+ students they serve (ages 8-18) and a network of 50+ alumni who receive ongoing support through age 25. DBG provides free transportation through a fleet of 8 vans and a bus, nutritious meals and snacks, and basic needs support like warm winter coats, school supplies, technology and internet access to help bridge the digital divide, and more. I could go on and on and on about Khali, his team, the students and the positive impact DBG is having on individual students and families, the city of Detroit, and the world. Khali is an everyday hero. He's a Michigan hero. He is changing lives. He is making a positive difference. He started a movement that is having a ripple effect of positivity across Michigan and beyond. For all these reasons and so many more, thank you for considering Khali for a 2023 Michigan Heroes award.