PHOTO BY JOAN LEDERER

February 5, 2024; Old Angle Boxing Gym, Trinity Church Hall Basement, 2051 W. 30^th Street: Watching and assessing a sparring bout are: (L-R) Juan Bargos, Mohammad Abdel-Nabi, Alyssia Lopez, Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez, and Sonny Gonzalez (manager of the gym).

   (Plain Press September 2024) Longtime Cuyahoga County resident and psychiatrist, Dr. Joan Lederer, has embraced photography not merely as an artistic pursuit but as a powerful tool for community engagement and social change. Her photographic endeavors serve as an extension of her longstanding dedication to social action. Recently, Dr. Lederer curated a gallery presentation highlighting her interactions with a family of asylum seekers from Africa, underscoring her commitment to documenting and advocating for marginalized voices.

   Currently, Dr. Lederer’s focus lies on The Old Angle Boxing Gym, situated in Cleveland’s near west side and owned by Gary Horvath, a celebrated local boxer mentored by the renowned Jimmy Bivins. With a storied career that includes multiple Golden Glove titles and inductions into three halls of fame, Horvath embodies the rich boxing legacy of Cleveland. At 77 years old, he remains deeply rooted in the community where he was born and raised.

   The gym, managed by Sonny Gonzalez, provides a welcoming space for a diverse community spanning generations and nationalities, fostering camaraderie and discipline among its members. Miguel, Sonny’s son and a product of the gym’s coaching, achieved Olympic status as an alternate in the Beijing Games, further solidifying the gym’s impact on aspiring athletes.

   Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Lederer remarks, “After years in community psychiatry, The Old Angle has become my sanctuary—a place where individuals from all walks of life support each other through shared dedication.” Despite her initial reservations about the sport, Dr. Lederer has found herself captivated by the gym’s ethos and its ability to foster growth among its participants.

   Dr. Lederer recently traveled to Orlando, Florida, to document the professional boxing debut of a promising young woman from The Old Angle, a testament to her evolving connection with the sport and its community. Her experience ringside was marked by both excitement and a sense of privilege as she captured moments that underscored the gym’s role in shaping futures.

   The current version of The Old Angle finds its home in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church on West 30th Street, a historic venue dating back to 1873. Despite its architectural charm, the church needs substantial restoration, a mission championed by church president Laura Simko and the congregation, who continue to serve the local homeless population with unwavering commitment.

   Dr. Lederer’s photographic documentation of life at The Old Angle not only celebrates the dedication of its members to the sport but also highlights the profound personal connections she has forged within this vibrant community. Her compelling photographs will be featured at a fundraising event benefiting both The Old Angle and Trinity Lutheran Church, scheduled for September 28th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the church on West 30th and Lorain. The event promises an organ performance, dance music (probably salsa), guided tours, a raffle, and more, aiming to support these vital community institutions facing financial challenges.

   In a dual effort to sustain both the church and the gym, Dr. Lederer’s work stands as a testament to the power of photography in shedding light on community resilience and solidarity amidst adversity.

Editor’s note: Authors of this article are Kady Manneh, Dave Stringer and Joan Lederer. Kady Manneh is an intern at IRTF (International Religious Task Force); Dave Stringer (Joan Lederer’s longtime partner) is a writer, flute player and tinkerer; and Joan Lederer MD has lived in the Cleveland area since 1985 and has worked mainly within the City of Cleveland as a psychiatrist.