LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers have made their way to the Peachtree State for a match-up against the Atlanta Hawks. After Thursday morning’s shoot-around, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked James about the “I Promise” school that will be opening in his hometown of Akron, Ohio next fall. The King, now in his 15th season of NBA service, says it’s one of the most important accomplishments of his life.
When LeBron James was asked if opening his I Promise School in Akron, Ohio was the “most important thing” he’s ever done with his platform, he replied, “It is.” Why? “Besides having three kids and marrying my wife, putting my mom in a position where she never has to worry about anything ever again for the rest of her life, this is right up there,” James said. “Championships, MVPs, I mean, points, rebounds and assists, that stuff is, whatever. But, for me to be able to open up a school and give back to my inner city, so many kids that I know because I was those kids. I walked those streets and it was just like there’s no way I’m going to be able to get out of this situation. I just thought about that every day. I had dreams and I had mentors and they allowed my dreams to become who I am today. People can talk about everything else besides that, but they can never take away what I’m able to do for my hometown and people all around the world. That’s what means to me more than anything. The basketball thing, I love it and I enjoy it, but to give back and be able to open up a school, that’s something that will last way beyond my years.”
Earlier this week, news came down the wire stating that plans for James’ new school, which will initially serve third and fourth grade students, had been approved by the board.
In partnership with Springhill Entertainment, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) will be creating a documentary series that will chronicle James’ launch of the school.
“Being able to create this school to specifically meet the needs of these kids and their families means everything to me,” James recently told variety.com. “There are so many kids and families struggling, and we want this school to be a safe, positive place that helps them stay on the right track to earning their educations. Having Spring Hill Entertainment and an amazing filmmaker like Morgan Spurlock here to document this process is huge.”
Growing up in the inner city can be tough — a fact James knows all too well. However, if these kids complete his program, they’ll earn a college scholarship.