LeBron James got a mass dap-up during the grand opening of I Promise, his new STEM-focused school for at-risk students in Akron, Ohio. His colleagues in the NBA and the general public were both excited to see the star giving back.
"I have a platform, and I have so many kids and — not only kids but also adults that look for guidance and look for someone to lead them at a time when they feel like their voice isn't powerful," James told ESPN. "And when you see something that's unjust, and you see something that's wrong, and you see something that's trying to divide us as a race or as a country, then I feel like my voice can be heard and speak volumes."
Along with providing a safe space for changing the lives of many young people potentially, James sat down with CNN's Don Lemon to discuss the school, and a certain president came up.
James is known for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump, especially about the NFL national anthem protests. He even led an NBA-wide boycott of Trump-owned hotels, and publicly called the president a "bum."
"We are in a position right now in America … where this race thing has taken over, one because I believe our president is kind of trying to divide us," said James.
Lemon interjected, asking, "Kind of?" and James doubled down.
"Yeah, he is. He is … He’s dividing us, and what I’ve noticed over the last few months […] he’s kind of used sport to divide us, and that’s something that I can’t relate to because I know that sport was the first time I ever was around someone white, and I got the opportunity to see them and learn about them, and they got an opportunity to learn about me, and we became very good friends. Sports has never been something that divides people. It’s always been something that brings someone together,” the new LA Laker remarked.
LeBron James (@KingJames) says Trump's trying to use sport to divide people, but he believes it brings people together. He sits down with @donlemon at the opening of his new elementary school for at-risk children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Watch 10pET https://t.co/koTK4RarqE
pic.twitter.com/CQYsTz2Fzl— CNN (@CNN) July 30, 2018
Bron got time today! And tomorrow!
The NBA star also noted he has no interest in discussing anything directly with Trump, and would not sit for a summit with the president if invited.
“I would never sit across from him,” he said.
Bron mentioned there is one former resident of the White House he'd be more than happy to take a meeting with, however.
"I'll sit across from Barack, though!" he said.
You can view the full interview below!
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LeBron James Opens STEM-Based School For At-Risk Students In Hometown Of Akron, Ohio
