LeBron James' 'Promise' School's Promise To At-Risk Kids | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Currently

You Should Support LeBron James' 'Promise' School, Even If You Know Nothing About Sports

Using his privilege as one of the greatest athletes of all time, James creates a path for other athletes to feel comfortable speaking out about politics and social issues.

255
You Should Support LeBron James' 'Promise' School, Even If You Know Nothing About Sports

I know pretty much nothing about sports. I know a few of the famous names and among those I know about LeBron James. I've never actually watched him play, but in my opinion, his most recent endeavor off the court has made him the G.O.A.T. ("greatest of all time").

On Monday, July 30, James christened the opening of his I Promise school, a public school in Akron, Ohio, for at-risk kids. He called it the "most important accomplishment of his career," something he'd been planning since 2015.

In addition to an intensely structured program to support the third and fourth graders, the graduating class would receive a full ride, paid by James, to the University of Akron (after meeting specific standards).

Philanthropy is normal for celebrities and sports stars, but James is going further than just a donation of money. In planning and structuring a specific program to help impoverished kids, he's automatically created a future for them. Throwing money at the problem may start the funding, but a structured program ensures that there is an endpoint to these kids' success.

Furthermore, James is taking care of brown kids that have not received the proper educational attention they deserve. James' childhood was similar to the kids he wants to take care of, he was born into a poor family supported by a teenage mother in Akron. He often missed school because of a lack of resources and did not always know where his next meal was coming from.

He has become the greatest of all time not only for his extraordinary record in basketball but for also giving back to where he started even more than his childhood self would have ever expected. He saw what opportunities he was given and as soon as he was able to, he gave it all back to kids like him in hopes they would see the same success.

Ultimately, LeBron James is a push for other celebrities and athletes to take such a giant leap. Rather than making a few small donations, celebrities should figure out a cause they feel strongly about and support it to its success.

He serves as an example of why celebrities and athletes should branch out from their art form and contribute to discussions they care about. To stay within their entertainment industry and not use their resources to speak out on politic issues they are related to or fund programs for at-risk kids is to ignore their power in our culture.

Previously, James has been told to "shut up and dribble" instead of taking a stand on certain political issues, and rather than take that to heart, James went above and beyond. Using his privilege as one of the greatest athletes of all time, James creates a path for other athletes to feel comfortable speaking out about politics and social issues.

The "I Promise" school will provide more for its students than any public school has done before and will hopefully create an example for lawmakers to follow in creating proper environments for the future of our country. Education has always been a struggle for America and for it to take a celebrity to show the government what a proper school should be like is embarrassing, but maybe it will be the change the country needs.

Report this Content
Featured

How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

While we are all very dependant on technology, we are losing touch with humanity.

3371
How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

If we look back on how our ancestors lived we can sense a totally different lifestyle. If they could come back and live with all our technological devices they surely would think they are in a completely new alien world. They lived such a simple life without our devices that it seems as if centuries have passed by. In reality most of the discoveries were accomplished in the past twenty years. Indeed we have assisted a total technological distortion. This change in our lives was characterized by a myriad of technological innovations, due to globalization.

Keep Reading...Show less
Sports

Why I Love Football

Why Is Football A Sport That Is So Celebrated Across The Nation?

7170
College quarterback drops back to make pass as football season begins
https://pixabay.com/en/quarterback-american-football-sport-67701/

It is the time of year when the athletic event of football tends to exhilarate fans across the Nation. Why is football a sport that is so celebrated across the Nation? Many times I have asked myself why I even love the game of football so much, especially being a female, but I came up with a few of the many reasons why football fans love the game. though this may not be everyone's reasons for loving the game, here are some reasons that I love football.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Nostalgic Early 2000s Barbies: 34 Forgotten Treasures

For all the 90's babies and their obsession with Barbies.

33767
Barbies on a display case
LATimes

With Barbie mania overtaking society with the release of the new movie, here is some late 90's/early 2000's nostalgia for you in Barbie form.

It's sure to stir up old memories and unlock some good ones. And if you're feeling inspired by a particular toy but you don't remember where you put it, we've listed where you can find one today. You're welcome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Riots and Protests rock Paris and other French cities

Crazy European Summer

1791
Riots and Protests rock Paris and other French cities
A 17 year old boy of North African origin was shot and killed by French police during a traffic stop on Tuesday. The police claimed they "feared for their lives" when the boy started driving away from them and opened fire, killing him.
Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

When DEI goes haywire

Shocking Revelation: Doctors Resort to Ethnicity-Based Prioritization in Medical Care

2280
When DEI goes haywire
In a shocking move in New Zealand, surgeons must now consider ethnicity in prioritizing patients for operations.
Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments