Founder & President, Guns Down Gloves Up

Michael Ford stands as the visionary Founder and President of Guns Down Gloves Up, a transformative nonprofit organization serving the State of Indiana and expanding its impact across the United States. Driven by an unwavering commitment to community healing, Mr. Ford established this pioneering initiative to address the profound need for comprehensive support in communities devastated by gun violence.

Personal Mission Statement

Hi, I’m Mike Ford, the Founder of GUNS DOWN GLOVES UP for the State of Indiana and the USA. My mission is to serve our community one child at a time and help stop gun violence. My efforts are carried out through boxing programs, mental health services, and substance abuse reentry resources.

Founding Vision

Mr. Ford founded Guns Down Gloves Up in response to the daily trauma he witnessed in his community — seeing families grieving the loss of loved ones to senseless violence and recognizing the critical need for accessible healing resources. His organization provides essential counseling services for both direct and indirect victims of violence, creating structured pathways for community healing and personal transformation.

Educational Foundation & Lived Expertise

Mr. Ford’s educational journey reflects his remarkable resilience and dedication to personal growth. While serving 11 years in prison, he earned his Associate of Arts degree in Psychology, followed by his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Ball State University. Upon returning home, he continued his academic excellence by obtaining his Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This unique combination of formal education in psychology and business administration, coupled with his lived experience growing up in high-crime areas, provides Mr. Ford with an unparalleled understanding of the complex challenges facing underserved communities and the strategic expertise needed to implement effective solutions.

Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations

Under Mr. Ford’s leadership, Guns Down Gloves Up has established powerful partnerships that amplify its community impact: 

Floyd Mayweather’s Gym Management Partnership: Partnering with Floyd Mayweather’s Gym Management by Otis Pimpleton’s Non for Profit Foundation in honor of the late Roger Mayweather, called WIN2 BE 1 at @MayWeather Boxing Club.

Community Organizations:

• King & Queens partnership and Support as Brothers and Sisters
• Queen Vibes & as President of King Vibes 
• Community Action program
• Black Fighters and Black Police Officers Amateur Boxing shows & Fundraisers and grants
• The Nation of Islam Indianapolis Chapter and Chicago chapter as Brothers partnership

These strategic alliances enable Guns Down Gloves Up to provide comprehensive resources and create sustainable pathways for community transformation.

Mission & Impact

Under Mr. Ford’s leadership, Guns Down Gloves Up operates through three core pillars: comprehensive boxing programs that channel energy into discipline and purpose, professional mental health services addressing trauma and promoting healing, and substance abuse reentry resources supporting successful community reintegration.

His vision extends beyond immediate intervention to fundamental community transformation. Mr. Ford aims to mentally heal families and, through that healing process, fundamentally change how community members interact with one another — preventing the cycles of violence that have claimed too many lives.

Community Transformation

Since its inception, Guns Down Gloves Up has witnessed significant community response under Mr. Ford’s guidance. Community members, exhausted by relentless violence, are increasingly embracing the organization’s holistic solutions. This growing willingness to engage with alternative approaches to conflict resolution demonstrates the tangible impact of his leadership and the organization’s comprehensive programming.

Mr. Ford’s commitment to serving the community “one child at a time” reflects his belief in individualized, compassionate intervention as the foundation for lasting societal change.

Future Vision

Mr. Ford’s dedication to community service extends to civic leadership, with aspirations to serve as a City Council member, furthering his ability to create systemic change and advocate for the communities he serves.

Legacy & Continuing Impact

Mr. Ford’s lived experience, academic credentials, proven leadership, and strategic partnerships continue to position Guns Down Gloves Up as a beacon of hope for communities seeking healing, empowerment, and lasting peace. His work demonstrates that transformation is possible when compassion, expertise, and community collaboration unite toward a common purpose.