The I Promise School in Akron, OhioAkron Beacon Journal
LeBron James is one of the most polarizing figures in basketball as there are people who absolutely hate him and others who love him. He's given everything to the sport and has been a key face in NBA since his entrance into the league in 2003, and he's become one of the (maybe even the) greatest basketball players of all time. However, he does more than just basketball and this article is evidence of his true greatness. When the doors open on August 30, 2018, at the I Promise School in Akron, 240 kids' lives will hopefully change for the better. The I Promise School is the partnership between the LeBron James Family Foundation and the Akron Public School System (APSS) and is a multi-million dollar investment in Akron's youth. The I Promise School targets at-risk students with the lowest test scores in the APSS, and is the culmination of what LeBron James called "one of the greatest moments (if not the greatest) of my life." The I Promise School deviates from the usual schools as their curriculum is based on many studies and is focused around the "We Are Family" philosophy of the LeBron James Family Foundation. The I Promise School offers "more learning time. Kids in the I Promise School will have longer days and breaks distributed differently than others in the district. Smaller class sizes and more focus on individual learning. Lessons specifically in skills to promote social-emotional learning and twice daily "Be Best" circles for students. A family resource center to provide support for students. Weekly professional development for teachers." In general, James and the I Promise School is an attempt to help the underprivileged youth of Akron, Ohio and intervening at a young age is the best way to do it.
The I Promise School while still in constructionAkron Beacon Journal
In the last few months, the American political climate has given the opportunity to many athletes a chance to speak out and their fame has given them a platform. This has lead many athletes to spread awareness for social issues as well, which has caused criticism from some as athletes knowing nothing talking about things they know nothing about. However, when Fox News' Laura Ingraham made a comment of "shut up and dribble directed at LeBron he's been even more outspoken. James has been trying to create a legacy as a man outside of his sport. As great as he's been on the court, his actions off the court mean just as much if not more for LeBron James as he's always been passionate about giving back to his community. Now the man who was once just a kid from Akron is doing his best to give back to his hometown and his legacy will be more than just basketball. With his recent actions, it has become incredibly clear that he really is more than just an athlete.
