Black gymnastics team consisting solely of boys is battling to preserve their program's existence
In the heart of Clayton County, Georgia, a unique gymnastics academy, the James Jones Gymnastics Academy, is facing an unexpected challenge. The academy, which has been providing free or reduced-rate training to around 600 boys and teens since 2019, is struggling to find a suitable new location due to strict zoning restrictions within the county.
The academy's current home, a former office within a shopping plaza, has a ceiling height of just 13 feet, which is now inadequate for the teenage boys who train there. Despite the limitations, the gym has managed to thrive, thanks in part to the support from celebrities like Viola Davis and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.
However, the lease for the current gym expires this week, and James Jones, the academy's coach and attorney, is feeling the pressure. He has been searching for a new property, but the properties he has found do not meet the county's zoning requirements. Specifically, Clayton County's zoning rules limit him to locations that are "too small" and "run down" to adequately accommodate the gymnastics academy's needs.
Jones believes there is a misconception among parents that their sons would not like gymnastics. He argues that if Black boys see other Black boys doing gymnastics, or boys in general, they will be more likely to develop an interest in the sport.
The issue is not primarily about finances, but about zoning restrictions that are preventing Jones from relocating the gym. Warehouses, which are preferred locations due to space and size, are largely in areas zoned for heavy industrial use, not for sports activity.
Despite the challenges, Jones remains hopeful. He has been in talks with local leaders, and the Clayton County Board of Commissioners honoured him and his gymnastics team with a proclamation during its July meeting. Donations have started to pour in for the academy, with celebrities like Viola Davis and Jordan Chiles sharing the effort.
Kecia Blackmon, whose child participates in the academy, expressed a desire to keep the program going for the community. She hopes that the support will encourage more parents to consider putting their young Black boys in gymnastics.
The Clayton County spokesperson expressed a commitment to working with Coach James or any applicant to find solutions in line with the County's zoning policies. As the deadline approaches, the community waits with bated breath, hoping that a solution can be found to keep this valuable programme alive.
[1] Clayton County zoning rules limit gymnastics academy's relocation options [2] Strict zoning restrictions pose challenge for Atlanta gymnastics academy
[1] Despite the support and donations, the strict zoning rules in Clayton County pose a significant challenge for James Jones Gymnastics Academy, limiting their options for suitable relocation.
[2] The Atlanta-based James Jones Gymnastics Academy, which provides education-and-self-development opportunities through gymnastics, faces an unexpected hurdle due to Clayton County's zoning restrictions, specifically preventing them from securing a property large enough for sports activities, such as football.
