Talking with CC Minton President Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life

In getting ready for our 3rd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree in South Orange from Noon Sept 7 until Noon Sept 8th, I got a chance to talk with one of the major event supporters, CC Minton of CCMinton.com. Being a lifestyle empowerment expert her focus is always on improving individuals so it was nice to know she is also the President of Stevenson & Moses Boxing For Life Organization. In our discussion it was nice to gain some insight as to where her organization is headed.

What is Stevenson & Moses Boxing for Life?

Stevenson & Moses Boxing For Life is an organization committed to using boxing as a tool to teach camaraderie among peers in the community. Our signature program teaches Olympic style boxing to provide participants with the skills necessary to become a contender for the Olympics for Boxing if they choose to do so. We provide training for athletes to build endurance and perseverance for the sport of their choice and believe that the work and experience in and of itself is an asset to one's life. Our goal is to offer boxing as a deterrent to bullying and gun violence by building character and responsibility for the community in which participants live.

How long has Stevenson & Moses been around?

Through real life experiences, the vision for the work that we do was developed over the the course of 10 years. While Robyn and Coach Wali worked with children in the community, they realized the need to provide other avenues of opportunity to keep kids engaged and off the streets. Stevenson & Moses Boxing for Life was birthed in Spring 2018 and the rest is history. We have a strategic plan in place that is moving the organization forward.

Who are the Founders of Stevenson & Moses Boxing?

Stevenson and Moses Boxing For Life is the vision of Willie and Robyn Moses, along with their grandson 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist in Boxing Shakur Stevenson. Coach Wali Moses is a NJ Hall of Fame Boxing Coach and a former Olympic Boxing Coach, who trained Olympic hopefuls at Olympic Training Centers around the world. He has traveled to Ecuador, Italy, Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Russia with Team USA. Coach Wali has coached US Olympian Charles Cromwell and Darmani Rock who was amongst the world team winners.

Vikas Krishan, Coach Wali Moses and Shakur Stevenson

He currently coaches Vikas Krishan known as the the Indian Tank who is the most decorated amateur boxer in Indian history, turning pro as a two-time Olympian and Pro Boxer, and a stable of others. Robyn Moses, who is CEO, is a nurse with a Masters degree and a love for education and community. She is the glue that holds the family together is great to work with. Last but not least, Shakur Stevenson is the #1 Contender in the World Boxing Organization (WBO), #1 Contender in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and he is the only male boxer ever to win the AIBA ( Amateur International Boxer of the Year Award (AIBA). The AIBA award is presented to #1 Boxer in the World in an individual weight class.

When did you become President of Stevenson & Moses Boxing for Life?

I was invited to join the board in September 2018 and was appointed Board President November 2018. I am honored to work with an visionary organization that is committed to the community.

Why did you become President of Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life?

The mission of Stevenson Moses is larger than life. I believe in what the founders stand for and I enjoy working with people. As a winner of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership award, I knew that my background in sports and fitness and the not-for-profit world were a natural fit for the organization. The boxing world is new and exciting to me but I am here for more than boxing. I have learned so much in my new role and on a personal level expanded my endeavors to improve the overall lifestyle of others. In the past, I've enjoyed playing soccer, hockey, tag football, volleyball and basketball. In fact, I enjoy coaching boys basketball in my not so spare time. In my position as President, I can take my sports and leadership experiences and use that skill set to have a much broader impact. Although I've never been involved in boxing, I come with a passion for the people, love of sports and the desire to empower the community.

In terms of Shakur's recent fight , what's your impressions of Shakur Stevenson and have you interacted with him ?

Shakur is a fine young man. We have met on a number of occasions and he has been nothing but a gentlemen. I was impressed that he understood what giving back to the community means.

He was so gracious to take time out of his busy training schedule to attend Stevenson & Moses first benefit in 2018 - Ringside for a Cause. Shakur has been in town quite a few times since then so I always make sure to spend a little time with him given he no longer lives in area. During the week of his first fight at the Prudential Center, I stopped by his interview with ESPN and the press conference to show my support for him and his craft. It's funny.....whenever we take photos together, he points his finger at me. I finally asked him what it means when he points his finger at me? He just smiled with those dimples so I just pointed back.....lol. When I need to chat with Shakur, I pick up the phone and call. I usually get his voicemail so over time I realized that I get a faster response via text. Shakur told his grandmother Robyn, "CC always call me in the morning when I'm asleep." I sometimes forget that my business day begins in the morning Eastern standard time. An early morning call in my business world could find Shakur anywhere in the world and in whatever timezone that might be.

What did you think of his recent fight? Did you enjoy it?

Absolutely! I had ringside seats, so I was able to see Shakur take down his opponent front and center. I'm honored to have seen the gentle giant fight his first bout in his hometown of NewArk. His promoters, Top Rank, did an incredible job producing the event.

Top Rank Boxer Shakur Stevenson

Shakur is a gentle giant because he is strong and powerful in the ring but has a quiet and mild nature outside. He is thoughtful, caring and loves his family. The card was jam packed leading up to Shakur's fight which was the main event. By the way, the first day tickets went on sale, the response was amazing. Members of the Stevenson & Moses Boxing for Life VIP Club were afraid they might not get tickets but we were able to accommodate their request to purchase tickets. Shakur's record is 11-0 and it was exciting to see him HIT the 12-0 mark.

What do you envision the future of SMBoxing For Life

We have a solid foundation that will allow us to provide Olympic style boxing to our clients as well as give back to the community. Our Olympic style signature program is available by the man who trained Shakur Stevenson and many others - Coach Wali. Other hopefuls will be able to draw from his experience, wisdom, strength, and talent. We are nurturing relationships within the boxing world and and there is interest outside as well. I'm excited about our new VIP Membership program which we will continue to roll out. Given my background with working in the community, I am excited that we will continue with outreach.

CC Minton in Edison YMCA with Board Members and the Indian Tank Vikas Krishan .

In the month of May, the Board collectively took time out to engage students at West Side High School in Newark, the YMCA of Edison and at Bethany Center for Champions in West Orange. With Coach Wali and our team of coaches, we are in the position to empower athletes and build character in the community. Our relationships are getting stronger and deeper because of our commitment and what we have to offer. In essence, we have accomplished a lot in a short period of time and the future is promising.

What's Other Major Events or Plans that you'd would like Folks be aware of?

Don't want to answer this for now. Can't give away our secrets...just know some really exciting events are coming soon.

How can interested folks learn more about your mission?

To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit us at www.stevensonmosesboxingforlife.org

Thank you CC Minton for taking the time to talk with us and thank you again for supporting the 3rd Annual 24 Hours Of Music in South Orange from Noon Sept 7 until Noon Sept 8th.

Author Gregory Burrus with Co-Host CC Minton, Olympian/Professional Boxer Shakur Stevenson, Stevenson Moses CEO Robyn Moses, and Former Olympic Coach/NJ Hall of Fame Boxing Coach Wali Moses. Photo by Maria B. Photography Studio.