In Clayton County, Georgia, James Jones saw a gap in the gymnastics world and decided to flip it. In 2019, he founded the James Jones Gymnastics Academy (JJGA) to give Black boys access to affordable gymnastics, something he didn’t have growing up. Since then, over 600 boys have come through his program, many training for free or at low cost.
“I started this because I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in this sport growing up. I wanted to change that for the next generation,” Jones explained.
The academy offers far more than cartwheels and routines. It’s a space where boys build strength, discipline, teamwork, and confidence. For some, it opens doors to college scholarships and Olympic dreams. In a sport where Black boys are underrepresented, JJGA has become a safe and empowering space built just for them.
Now that space is at risk. JJGA’s current gym is in a cramped office with ceilings so low the boys sometimes hit them mid routine. Coach Jones found nearby warehouses that could fit the team’s needs, but county zoning laws meant for manufacturing instead of athletics are blocking the move, HuffPost reports. Despite support from donors and celebrities, the issue isn’t funding. It’s zoning. And the lease is almost up.
This isn’t just a local loss. Gymnastics programs across the country that support Black athletes are disappearing. Fisk University, the first HBCU with a women’s team, will shut down its program in 2026. Talladega College already ended its team after one season. Of the three HBCUs that launched gymnastics teams, two are already gone.
JJGA was never just a gym. It was a lifeline. A place where Black boys could flip, fly, and thrive. If we want more stories like this, we can’t afford to lose the few spaces that already exist. We should be protecting them and creating more.
Coach James launched a GoFundMe to help the academy move to a new gym in South Fulton County, a space that’s closer to home and better suited for the boys.
“We’ve found a building that is suitable for gymnastics. This building would be more expensive to secure because it’s closer to the city of Atlanta where commercial rental rates are more expensive,” the campaign explains.
So far, they’ve raised over $48,000 toward their $55,000 goal—and they’re almost there. Learn more or lend your support here.
Cover photo: The Only All-Black Boys Gymnastics Academy in the U.S. Is at Risk of Closing / Photo Credit: @jamesjonesesq / X