Akron, Ohio. From outsiders, its claim to fame has been the home of the Goodyear Corporation. If you’re a basketball fan however, that may have changed about thirteen years ago when a young man fresh out of high school followed in the footsteps of Kobe Bryant and became one of a select few to go straight from high school to the NBA.
There’s no need to discuss the record of #23 LeBron James. If you’re reading this you probably already know what he can do on the court. It’s what he does off the court that is quite possibly even more impressive.
The LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) was founded in 2003 by LeBron and his mother, Gloria. Since then it has helped countless children from inner city Akron. Through the foundation, LeBron has been able to give out hundreds of bikes to kids who might not have been able to afford them. In 2015 he teamed with Akron University to promise 4-year scholarships to 2,300 hometown students who qualify in 2021.
As a promise to never forget his roots, LeBron returned to his alma mater and created the LeBron James Arena. The arena was a $1 million project that completely renovated the school’s existing gym. Most recently, after his championship win, he returned to STVM where he presented each sports team (including the marching band) with new uniforms.
LeBron has proven that the most important things to him in life are the people who have helped him along the way. Not only his mother, family, coaches, and teammates but also the city itself. Even when he made The Decision, his heart never left his hometown. He returned often from Miami and made sure to give back whenever he could. After his championship win, Akron named a street after him – King James Way – an honor bestowed not only a champ, but a true hometown hero.