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About the Leader
Jamyle Cannon is the founder and executive director of The Bloc — a sports-based education nonprofit using the sport of boxing to provide academic and social resources to Chicago's youth. As a child, Cannon fought frequently, got suspended from school, was arrested, and was given a court order for anger management. He credits his coaches and trainers for helping him stay on track to reach his education and personal goals.
Cannon began his career with Teach For America in Phoenix, Arizona, and later moved to Chicago to help start a charter school. While teaching, Cannon noticed that the students who were most in need of support were often rejected from the outlets meant to support them. Based on this observation, he started a boxing club that became immensely popular and produced extraordinary academic gains. Soon after, The Bloc was founded. Jamyle has a bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and a master's degree from Arizona State University.
About the Work
The Bloc contributes to the momentum of improving Chicago's future by attracting youth least likely to join mentoring and tutoring programs--the kids who like to fight.
They offer an enriching opportunity for no cost to the 100 youth enrolled and their families. Once enrolled, they connect them to mentors, engage them in academic services, and expand their horizons with college trips and explorational learning.
THE 1954 PROJECT
Investing in Durable Leadership & Institutions
The 1954 Project identifies visionary education leaders whose work is strengthening Black communities and invests in them and what they are building with significant, flexible capital and long-term relationship.
Named for the year of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, The 1954 Project honors that promise by backing leaders closest to the work with resources that follow their vision.
This is philanthropy shaped by trust in leaders and commitment to what they’re building.
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