Mayor Johnson, top Dallas boxing trainer to address kids before Creed III screening
DALLAS — Mayor Eric L. Johnson on Friday evening will join famed Dallas boxing trainer Derrick James to speak to about 250 kids from Dallas Boys & Girls Clubs before a screening of Creed III.
Mayor Johnson and James both were members of Dallas Boys & Girls Clubs while growing up in the city. James has trained championship fighters, including Dallas-area welterweight fighter Errol Spence Jr. James was named Trainer of the Year in 2017 by The Ring magazine; in 2020 by Sports Illustrated; and in 2022 by ESPN and the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Prior to the movie showing at LOOK Dine-In Cinema, James and the mayor intend to speak to the group of young people about life lessons they learned while growing up in Dallas and achieving success as adults.
“I want to thank my friend Derrick James for finding a way to give back to our communities and for inspiring our city’s youth,” Mayor Johnson said. “As people who grew up in historically underserved and overlooked neighborhoods in Dallas, we both know how critical it is for our young people to be engaged and to stay focused on all the opportunities that are available to them. And this is a great way to teach these kids some valuable lessons while also having some fun together.”
Mayor Johnson grew up in West Dallas and Oak Cliff, and his time in high school (1990–94) came during the four most violent years in Dallas and United States history. He was elected as the city’s 60th mayor in 2019 after nearly a decade of representing Dallas while in the Texas Legislature. During his time in public service, Mayor Johnson has prioritized public safety, education, and youth programs.
Mayor Johnson and his wife Nikki are raising three children in East Dallas.
