More Than Boxing: A Night at East Oakland Boxing AssociationMore Than Boxing: A Night at East Oakland Boxing Association

By Julia Sen, Reading Everywhere Program Manager

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Friday Night Under the Lights at the East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA) — and from the moment I arrived, it was clear this was more than just a boxing gym.

As I walked up, I was greeted by a row of banners displaying powerful words: Discipline, Education, Honor, Focus, Respect, Courage, Integrity. These values are lived out at EOBA in ways that go far beyond the ring.

Inside the gate, I discovered a vibrant community hub: a lush garden full of summer vegetables, a peaceful reflection pond, an outdoor lounge, a computer lab, a multipurpose room for reading and meetings, and of course, the boxing gym. The space is a living example of EOBA’s mission to uplift youth and families in East Oakland through holistic, community-based programming.

I met Dawna Williams, EOBA’s Interim Executive Director, who was leading a training session with some of the 51 teen summer interns. These interns come from partner organizations like Lao Family Community Development, Youth Employment Partnership, East Oakland Community Bridges Coalition, Unity Council, and CORO, and they support every aspect of EOBA’s summer program — from arts and crafts to gardening, event coordination, gym training, and reading.

Dawna introduced me to D’Kyah, a teen intern who runs the summer reading program. D’Kyah shared how kids naturally form reading groups, choose books together, take turns reading aloud, reading on their own, and engage in thoughtful discussions. EOBA’s commitment to nurturing a love for reading and creating a culture where books are valued is woven into everything they do — all while helping young people grow into strong, compassionate individuals.

EOBA is deeply committed to reading and education. Books are available all over the site, including from the Oakland Literacy Coalition and the Reading Everywhere Action Grant. Their Little Town Library, stocked in partnership with the Oakland Public Library and the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, offers even more reading resources. Kids read daily in the summer, and during the school year, the afterschool program includes at least an hour of reading for those without homework.

Dawna emphasized that while boxing draws people in, EOBA offers so much more. In addition to youth programs, EOBA runs a food bank, a reunification program for families in foster care called Planting Seeds With My Dad, and even Tai Chi and gardening programs for seniors. The campus also serves as a gathering space for the Community Bridges Coalition, which brings together nonprofits, city leaders, and law enforcement to tackle systemic issues in East Oakland.

Dawna stepped into her leadership role after eight years on the board and at a time when EOBA was facing financial challenges. She’s now leading efforts to rebuild trust and expand programming — using every inch of space to serve the community.

In the boxing gym, I met Coach Tito, a roofer by day and coach by night, who trains young fighters, including some of his own seven children. He shared how boxing helped him stay focused, find purpose, and ultimately discover his calling: helping kids grow into confident, resilient individuals. “Boxing is like life,” he told me. “You have to be able to make adjustments and adapt.”

One by one, youth boxers came up to introduce themselves, proudly sharing their fight counts and stories. It was clear how much EOBA means to them — not just as a gym, but as a place where they’re seen, supported, and inspired.

EOBA is a testament to what’s possible when community, care, and purpose come together. It’s not just about boxing — it’s about building whole people and a stronger East Oakland.