|
THE PAST |
|
|
Mr. Mack has contributed to his country and his community for more than 60 years. He has labored both inside the gym and on the streets to improve a world he greets each day with a smile and a can-do attitude. We begin this archive with a small sampling of his accomplishments. We will add information, and we encourage others to contribute. Mack Lewis in 1943 was the first black fighter to join Mickey O’Donnell’s Baltimore Athletic Association Gym on Eager Street. “Mr. Mack” took over the gym in 1957. For 45 years, Lewis turned his boys into boxers at the Spartan facility which lacked both heat and air conditioning. Here he taught boxing skills to anyone willing to pay the price of dedication, hard work and sacrifice. But, more importantly, Mr. Mack taught lessons in "life skills," which elevated an entire community, and made countless boys better men. In 2002, the political and business leaders of the city worked together to provide a new home for Mr. Mack to continue his vital work. The following articles provide some background on Mr. Mack and his work with the youth of Baltimore over the past 60 years. |
The "Class of 1954" features Mack Lewis (standing far left), and among others, future MD Hall of Fame Boxer Tank Hill (front row kneeling second from the left). |
|
"Over the last half century, I trained amateurs and pros, black and white fighters, fathers and sons. I also worked with doctors, lawyers, a famous artist and even a millionaire. I waited almost 50 years before I had a world champion. But, to tell the truth, I got as much pleasure watching some kids who came through my gym and never earned a penny from fighting become successful in life." Mack Lewis |
|
|
Tributes to Mr. Mack from former students |
|
|
The Mack Lewis Story Good background information up to 1984 |
Lenny (Boogie) Weinglass, former CEO of the Merry-Go-Round clothing chain: |
| Alan Goldstein Columns Articles by the Baltimore Sun's outstanding sports writer |
Joe Sheppard, world-famous painter and sculptor: |
| Metro Baltimore Article May 1983 Mack Lewis - Boxing's Godfather |
Bobby Loyal, director of the Centers For Medicare and Medical Services: |
|
Letter From President Nixon A Tribute from the President of the United States |
Bob Sussman, orthopedic surgeon: |
|
|
|
|
Posters covered the walls of the old Mack Lewis Gym telling the tales of it's glorious past. |
 Anyone who went to the old Gym knew where to find "Mr. Mack." Standing at the corner of the "sparring ring," watching and critiquing every move of his boxers. Age has not slowed Lewis a step, nor dulled his passion for the sport he loves. |
|
|
|
