July 29, 2025
The James Jones Gymnastics Academy has devoted itself to primarily coaching Black boys since its inception.
A Black-owned gymnastics program’s future is in limbo regardless of its lofty mission to show Black boys.
The James Jones Gymnastics Academy, based and operated by its namesake, could haven’t any place to name residence as soon as its lease expires on Aug. 1. Jones says zoning restrictions presently prohibit him from relocating the Metro Atlanta health club, leaving his program and college students in jeopardy.
Jones claims the academy is the only real gymnastics membership in America devoted to Black boys. With this mission, Jones has served over 500 kids since opening six years in the past. Nevertheless, he says they’ve “outgrown” the area as his pupils age.
“We have now bodily outgrown the area. Once we first moved in, many of the boys had been small, and now they’re youngsters and 6 toes, and when they’re figuring out, they kick the ceiling,” Jones informed Fox 5.
Jones asserts that there’s curiosity from college students and the group to continue to grow. Nevertheless, he says native legal guidelines in Clayton County limit their capacity to seek out one other apply spot.
“We aren’t closing as a result of we are able to’t afford it….We aren’t closing as a result of there’s not an curiosity. We’re closing as a result of our county’s zone ordinances are so strict they received’t permit us to maneuver wherever else,” he mentioned.
This system often teaches 60 children a season. Via fundraising efforts and sponsors, youth usually pay no charges to coach.
Jones has already submitted a zoning request, however claims it was denied over claims the membership was for “industrial use.” Nevertheless, he claimed different amenities across the space had been additionally for recreation.
He added, “Once I submitted my zoning request, it was denied. It mentioned it was for industrial use and development. Nevertheless, subsequent to the constructing is a health club. It’s a basketball, pickleball, and tennis health club.”
Jones initially based the health club as surrounding golf equipment didn’t practice boys. Changing into an area outlet for various male youth to pursue gymnastics, Jones needs to maintain his initiative going. He considers it a private mission.
“This health club means every thing to me,” he defined tearfully.” I wished to do gymnastics as a child, and my household couldn’t afford it, and we’d drive by the health club, and I might see different children doing gymnastics, and I mentioned, ‘Sooner or later, I wish to do this.’”
Attributable to prices and different systemic limitations, Black folks have needed to pave their means into making gymnastics historical past. Whereas stars like Simone Biles and 2024 Olympian Frederick “Flips” Richards are displaying out for Black gymnasts, accessibility to the game stays a prevalent concern.
Regardless of the obstacles, Jones stays decided to satisfy the gymnastics dream for different Black boys. Jones and his supporters have since launched a GoFundMe for $30K to discover a new residence, practically reaching its aim.
He added, “I’m taking the positivity from the mother and father and college students and letting it gasoline me as a result of it’s all in regards to the children.”
Jones refuses to let his college students down, hoping they will all succeed with the assistance of their prolonged group.
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