Photo Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
LeBron James completely shut down Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s advice to stay out of politics and just stick to sports.
During his postgame interview following his Lakers 102-93 victory over the Trail Blazers, James said, “I would never shut up about things that are wrong.”
James is one of many athletes that use their celebrity platform to voice their opinion. Whether it is political or racial, he represents his community to the fullest extent. Acknowledging and understanding his background and where he was raised, knows the trials and tribulations that his people experience daily.
“I preach about my people, and I preach about equality. Social injustice. Racism. Systematic voter suppression. Things that go on in our community.”
James believes in being more than an athlete. Having such a strong following, he uses that as an opportunity to use his voice and speak up for his community.
“There’s no way I would ever just stick to sports, because I understand how this platform and how powerful my voice is.”
James has built his own school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. He named it the I Promise School and it is where 300-plus students are now attending. Students that are going through what James went through as a kid. The only difference is these kids now have a voice to speak up for them, and that is James. The school provides an education, affordable housing, meal program, and job training.
“I’m their voice, and I use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that may be going on, not only in my community, but around this country and around the world.”
Lebron also took the time to acknowledge other athletes that have stepped up to speak up for their people. He gave credit to Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, Alvin Kamala of the New Orleans Saints, and two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery.
Montgomery is another player that has played another role in athletes venturing into politics. This past year he has taken a leadership role for the Atlanta Dream, becoming a part-owner of the team. This came about after WNBA players and officials convinced former Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler to sell her shares of the team due to her not supporting the social justice movement last year.
Making a statement about her new situation, Montgomery was overwhelmed with joy. “My dream has come true. Breaking barriers for minorities and women by being the first former WNBA player to have both a stake in ownership and a leadership role with the team is an opportunity that I take very seriously.”
Knowing that more athletes share the same vision as him is what makes him proud.
“It makes me feel proud to be a part of a generation where our voices are heard and guys are speaking from an educated mindset. But more importantly, when you speak from your heart, it rings bells even louder,” said James.
