The past couple of weeks have been major for LeBron James. He signed a 3-year $100 million dollar contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his first no-trade clause contract that allows him a player option on the final year. Although there’s a lot to applaud James for, considering the season he just had leading his team to the NBA championship, he’s especially proud of the difference he’s making in his community of Akron.
On Tuesday, August 16, James hosted the second annual LeBron James’ Family Foundation’s We are Family Reunion. With the help of Chase Bank, Cedar Point and others, James was able to treat 5,000 Akron-based school children to a day of fun. All of the students who participated are members of James’ Wheels for Education and the Akron I Promise Network. Not only did the students and their families get the opportunity to enjoy a day at the amusement park, they also got a chance to hear from “the king” himself, LeBron James. This event is major for kids who attend. Just last year at the family reunion, James announced that all of the students in the program would be awarded a full scholarship to the University of Akron upon graduation from high school.
Despite criticism about James’ love for his hometown, the work that his foundation is doing is close to his heart. “I think it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of … This is very special to me. As a kid growing up in the inner city and as an African-American kid, you don’t really think past high school because it’s not possible or your family can’t support you. For us to be able to do something like this … it means so much.”
Congratulations to LeBron on his contract and on his ability to continue making a difference in his community!
