Way before Colin Kaepernick made his controversial act of protest over racially charged violence in the country, Cleveland Cavaliers‘ forward LeBron James had his own demonstrations in the past and has always been actively speaking about social activism.
The three-time NBA champion’s actions have not gone unnoticed, and recently, the son of Martin Luther King, Jr., had nothing but good words about him.
Martin Luther King III named James as possibly the new face of black leadership today as he is being looked up to by the youth as a superstar athlete and an influential character when it comes to civil rights and peaceful protests. He also named his close friends, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, and Beyonce as others who have taken huge steps in vocalizing their opinions on issues that has taken the public’s interest.
During the ESPYs in July, James, Wade, Anthony and Chris Paul opened the event with a powerful message and gave a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement hoping to get their message across everyone who were tuned in. Their speech proved that they are more than just basketball players but also role models to the younger generation.
The acts of protest started by Kaepernick during the singing of the National Anthem has slowly silenced, but James and company are expected to still be the voice of the youth and African-Americans as they will continue to condemn violence and meaningless deaths not only in the U.S. but in the entire world.
