Mission Statement

Be The Proof Foundation’s mission is to guide the most acutely high-risk youth engaging in gang activity,
involved in the justice system, or at risk to become involved in the juvenile justice system. We do this by
providing a multifaceted program that includes boxing, mentoring, street intervention, workforce
development, and entrepreneurship.

 

Founder’s Bio (Jeremiah “The Proof” Hinton)

Jeremiah “The Proof” Hinton is a professional boxer, community leader, and Executive Director of Be The
Proof Foundation.
Raised in Maywood during some of its hardest years, Jeremiah served time in Chicago’s Cook County Jail
while facing up to 45 years in prison. He was given a chance to do better instead of being made an
example to the system. Through perseverance, Jeremiah learned to manufacture clothing articles, later
using that skill to help others launch their own clothing brands.
Over the years, he started a delivery service, which led him to obtain his Class A CDL license and drive
semi-trucks. During the pandemic, Jeremiah built a furniture e-commerce site, using his delivery
experience to serve his own customers. He continues to expand his e-commerce ventures through
JHTheProof.com, an online platform that combines entrepreneurship, training, and lifestyle branding.
Jeremiah later returned to amateur boxing, turned professional, and balanced his career while advocating
for youth in marginalized and disinvested communities.
Although his reputation was once built in the streets, where he contributed to cycles of harm, Jeremiah
now uses his credibility to save lives. He has partnered with Maywood’s Mayor Nathaniel Booker to mentor
over 100 youth and teach boxing classes across the village. He has worked directly with District 89, the
same school district he once attended, teaching boxing classes and running camps with professional
boxing champion Christopher Ousley, inspiring hundreds of young people to embrace discipline and
opportunity.
Now as a father of three, Jeremiah leads street intervention efforts in some of Chicago’s most dangerous
neighborhoods, mentoring, feeding, and supporting over 60 young men and women regularly. He engages

directly with gang and clique leaders to transform their leadership into positive community impact.
Jeremiah has also supported workforce development at Crushers Club under Sally Hazelgrove, whose
mentorship and proven youth employment method inspired him to build his own model. Today, Jeremiah
shows youth that transformation is not only possible but within reach.
Jeremiah’s message is simple: “If I can do it, you can do it. Every day, I challenge people to Be The Proof.”

 

Core Programs

9 to Thrive

Workforce development and boxing-based soft skills. Youth learn discipline, time management, leadership,
and job readiness while training their minds and bodies.

Flip the Script

Entrepreneurship training for youth and young adults. Focused on turning creative ideas and hustle into
legitimate businesses, including clothing brands, delivery services, real estate, e-commerce, website
building, and digital editing.

The Reset

A mental health and resilience program that helps youth overcome adversity, deal with trauma, and
develop coping strategies.

StreetCode

Technology and AI training program that equips youth with the tools to master digital skills and prepare for
the future of work.

BLOCSC (Building Leaders on Community and Social Change)

Street intervention program that transforms gang and clique leaders into positive influencers while
connecting them with district leaders and community stakeholders.

Heart of the City

Sports medicine, nutrition, and health education program tied directly to boxing and fitness. Youth learn
from health professionals about performance, recovery, and long-term wellness.

Breakthrough

Juvenile justice program that provides second chances, accountability, and a path to positive community
roles through boxing, mentoring, and leadership.

 

Impact & Approach

Be The Proof Foundation’s approach is holistic: direct block level intervention, structured
physical training, embedded certifications, and pathways into real careers. By focusing on
both mental health and professional readiness, we prepare youth not only to survive but to
thrive.
Our goal is simple: to transform those once terrorizing their communities into the very leaders
who rebuild them.