Lebron James has had a decorated NBA career so far, but his latest accomplishment will have a lasting impact on his legacy and the children of Akron, Ohio. Lebron James has been coveted since high school, even gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated at the age of 17.
James was gifted with a rare physical ability that most children don't have, and he understands this. This is why he has founded an elementary school in his hometown of Akron. This school is a part of the LeBron James Family Foundation and the Akron Public Schools project. James is providing a free of cost private school to students that would've never been able to attend otherwise.
He sees himself when he looks at a lot of impoverished kids in Akron, so he is giving them an opportunity he never had. This school will also help unemployed parents find employment as well. James wants to make sure that his students have a stable home life unlike he did. James often talks about how he and his mother would have to sleep on friend's couches just to have somewhere to stay the night.
James is also offering free transportation, and free bike and helmet. In an interview with ESPN, James mentioned how he would miss almost half the school year because he lacked proper transportation. Missing half of the school year is unacceptable, so free transportation is necessary.
James has received a lot of praise for his community work, and he is becoming more than an athlete in the eyes of most. Now a Los Angeles Laker, James is in a position to do more community work and expand his brand even more. He could possibly open up school across the country in the future, especially with the help of celebrities and other wealthy figures that reside in Los Angeles.
James's reach and influence are infectious, which is why him opening up this school is such a big deal. James can cause a chain reaction and hopefully make other wealthy figures invest or start their own schools. Another benefit of attending is that students will also get a guaranteed tuition to the University of Akron upon graduation. James didn't attend college, so for him to have such an emphasis on education is remarkable.
James wants others to have what he never had, and this school is a big step in the right direction. Students obtaining college degrees and going on to professions that wouldn't be possible without proper education. I commend James for his efforts to close the poverty gap to be educating the youth and employing the unemployed.
As an African American male, I also see James as a role model because he's the epitome what it means to be a successful and sophisticated black man. James is a hero on and off the court, and I'm eager to see his next move. James may be assisting his teammates on the court this upcoming Fall, but he's always assisting his community all year long.
