One of the significant ways through which LeBron James has integrated and contributed to the society is through the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF). The family foundation has contributed to the growth of Ohio since it was founded by LeBron James when he joined the NBA. Most of the work of LeBron’s foundation is based in his hometown in Akron, Ohio. The main aim of LJFF is to give children and young adults a platform for continuous learning of not only knowledge from school but also life lessons that are designed to help children in Ohio live positive and healthy lives. LeBron James has positively impacted on the lives of children in Ohio through his foundation; the most notable contribution is the partnership between the LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools. The LJFF collaborated with Akron public schools in creating the “I Promise School” which is dedicated to helping at-risk children in Ohio (Abdul-Alim 6).
Social Impact in the Society
LeBron James uses his status as a public figure and the sports platform to make a positive change in his hometown and also to the lives of other people. He not only uses the foundation to reach out to people but also his social media accounts to spread awareness of the course he advocates for which is mainly improving the lives of people in his community, particularly the disadvantaged children. LeBron James has become an influential person symbolizing the success of African Americans; he is part of NBA players who are not afraid to publicly speak about social issues affecting all Americans. LeBron has condemned social problems such as gun violence and racism especially when his house in Los Angeles was vandalized with racist graffiti. James makes use of his online platform to advocate for equality and justice in the society (Jenkins 40). Apart from promoting education in Ohio, the LJFF also addresses social issues such as environmental pollution. The LJFF raises awareness and also educates people about the current environmental problems and also ways through which people can conserve their surroundings (Abdul-Alim 6).
According to Bryant (62) of all the professions in America, only the African Americans who played basketball or football have been able to excel without facing the barrier of racial segregation.
Playing sports is the only profession that enabled blacks to become American citizens without discrimination, ballplayers can attend white universities and even live in high-end neighborhoods comfortably. Bryant (62) goes ahead to state that being the only African Americans who made it in life came with the responsibility for basketball players. The successful African Americans have the role of inspiring the young ones and also advocating for their rights. LeBron James has become an influential and most recognizable player in American sports.
LeBron has made it clear through his campaigns and public speeches that he fully supports blacks in America.
LeBron has also embraced politics without hiding his political views for the sake of his brand. For instance, LeBron has been a strong supporter of Barrack Obama, and he also conveyed his support for Hillary Clinton. LeBron is a staunch critic of president Trump and his policies; he condemns Trump's personality and use of language arguing that it does not portray a positive image for young adults and children. According to LeBron, electing a president who publicly disrespects women and other minority groups is a step backward for America. LeBron states that presidents are supposed to be role models for young ones and also a symbol of hope, peace, and unity. LeBron does not approve Trump's way of governing especially his policies (Jenkins 38).
Economic Impact in the Society
LeBron James also positively impacts the economy of the places he resides as well as the stadiums. According to Shoag and Veuger (5), the departure and arrival of LeBron in the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat stadiums had an impact on business activity around the regions. The increase in the number of restaurants and other food and drink joints around the stadiums where LeBron plays can be attributed to his departure and arrival. The establishment of new food and drink spots creates employment opportunities for the locals which also improves the living conditions of people in the area (Shoag and Veuger 5). In 2016, LeBron James made a generous contribution to the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington to support the exhibit of Muhammad Ali (Jenkins 39).
Conclusion
The philanthropic efforts of LeBron can be seen in the work of his foundation (Jenkins 37). The LJFF ensures that all at-risk children in Ohio receive and education sponsorship. The foundation has also partnered with Akron University as a way of making sure that the students who excel in high school will be able to pursue higher education at Akron University. LeBron has touched the lives of many, especially the children from Ohio (Abdul-Alim 7). The LeBron James Family Foundation has ensured a better future for many children through sponsoring their education. LeBron James has also been an advocate for justice and even an influential critic of social issues such as police brutality, gun violence, and racism. The basketball player believes that all Americans should be treated equally and not based on skin color, economic status or ethnicity (Abdul-Alim 7).
Works Cited
Abdul-Alim, Jamaal. "Will LeBron James' Assist Actually Get Disadvantaged Youth through College?" Diverse Issues in Higher Education 33.12 (2016): 6. http://diverseeducation.com/article/84954/
Bryant, Howard. “Holding Court.” Mother Jones, 43.3 (2018):61-64.
Jenkins, Lee."2016 Sportsperson of the Year: LeBron James." Sports Illustrated, 125.20 (2016):32-48.
Shoag, Daniel, and Stan Veuger. "Taking My Talents to South Beach (And Back)." SSRN Electronic Journal, 2017. https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/shoag/files/south_beach_and_back_01.pdf
