ST. PETERSBURG, FL.–The Uhuru Movement opened Uhuru’s Black Gym of Our Own in 1994 in the St. Petersburg, Florida Uhuru House as part of improving the individual and collective health of the African community.
In 2001, under the nonprofit African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF), the gym was moved to a nearby separate location on Martin Luther King Jr. street to make it more visible and accessible for broad membership.
We named it the All People’s TyRon Lewis Community Gym for 18-year-old TyRon Lewis, whose murder by the St. Petersburg police in 1996 sparked fierce rebellions by the African community and forced the City to adopt a public policy of economic development for the African community.
The All People’s TyRon Lewis Community Gym and Wellness Program is a significant institution positively impacting the quality of life for the African community.
The TyRon Lewis Gym is a symbol of self-determination for the African community created by and for the community. It’s a “Gym of Our Own!” It represents real economic development because it is owned and controlled by the African community and employs members of the community.
The gym provides very necessary service to the African community––an avenue to address serious health issues that are preventable.
The gym, our fitness classes, Kids Fit Camp, Weightlifting and Health Fairs are all part of APEDF’s commitment to our mission to address the grave disparities faced by the African community––women, men, teens and seniors––in health and healthcare.
The TyRon Lewis Gym offers Personal Trainers on site, personal work-outs and meal plans and personalized weight loss assessments.
The TyRon Lewis Gym also offers bi-weekly health screenings, including body-fat, blood pressure and AIDS/HIV, as well as Licensed Chiropractic therapy.
There are also classes such as bootcamp and African dance available to members of the gym.
The gym has various cardio equipments, a steam-room & shower, as well as a smoothie bar and an outside courtyard. All this is complimented by a friendly atmosphere.
We continue to make a profound impact on the African community which is isolated from such health and wellness services and denied access to economic development and quality healthcare.
Uhuru!
