‘I Promise School’ –
Several of my colleagues and I was surprised, happy and relieved to hear about LeBron James, input in this school, regardless of the critics claims it is not all being paid for by Lebron and his input is limited…is that really the point? Is that really relevant? Should we not be focusing on the positives; the fact that this man, cares enough to recognise his responsibility as part of all of our collective responsibility to participate and contribute to the changes we want to see, to making things better!
Lebron with students that will be attending the ‘I Promise School’
Lebron addressing the crowd during this opening ceremony (30.7.19)
Lebron James ‘I Promise School’ set to open this summer (2018) for third and fourth graders, with the intention to expand, taking in more levels of graders in the future
Whether it is $2 million, $1 million, or more, Lebron James’ input is making a huge difference on so many levels that cannot be denied. I was so surprised to hear about this school from an undergraduate student, not from the mainstream media. Given the climate of violence and disparity among youth, with cutbacks and a continuous lack of funding being constantly named as the reasons why the youth are so disenfranchised, with poverty and a lack of education, is this not an exceptionally good thing to be celebrated??? This project that is the complete opposite; with funding and resources being invested into building a brighter future and very much contributing to a more educated younger generation, something to be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops?? Please enlighten me, what do you think?
Can we not focus on the aspirational, on the fact that the benefits that this school will bring to the local community of Akron, and the reverberation of impact it has the potential to have nationally and internationally, are things to be celebrated and far outweigh any criticism of how much Lebron James invested. Can we not focus on the aspirations. the vision that will be absorbed by young children that would otherwise never have such input and imagery!!! The difference such a school will have, not just on the staff, but also the children, knowing that such an iconic figure has input his time and energy can only be a good thing. Can you imagine how inspirational it is to be at a school, founded by one of the most successful athletes in the world? I think this is something to be applauded and celebrated, and what a disappointment to see there has been minimal media coverage! What do you think?
Akron ‘I Promise School’ – will have artefacts from basketball
Lebron James comments on twitter/instagram
http://lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org/page/ipromiseschool
SHADES OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA 