HarlemHeat37
07-09-2010, 07:14 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?id=5367008
I skipped the non-Lebron parts to keep it NBA, click the link for the entire story..good read, class act..
Now for all of the criticism he has received for orchestrating the hour-long special and leaving Cleveland, not enough attention has been given to the hidden gem of the story: the $2.5 million he raised for the Boys and Girls Club of America. Thousands of children with little or nothing to do after school were greatly helped by James' philanthropy, according to Frank Sanchez, a vice president of the Boys and Girls Clubs. To me, that is far more significant than his signing with the Heat.
James was set for life his rookie year. The NBA is a billion-dollar entertainment business, which means the Dan Gilberts, Jim Dolans and David Sterns of the world are also set for life. But providing a safe place for children whose futures are still in question, especially those who see James as a role model, is far more influential on their lives than him winning a championship or two. In addition to the cash raised, the gesture takes the overwhelming media attention surrounding James' free agency and points it in the direction of a single, but important step in a long series of steps needed to curtail the violence on our streets every day, all over this country.
So many black athletes are quick to talk about growing up in the 'hood and the violence that surrounded them, but so few rush to use their cultural capital to change that environment so those who are not as physically gifted can find their way out as well. Ever since he came into the league in 2003, James has worked tirelessly to help young people -- and not just in Ohio. Two years ago his foundation, in conjunction with State Farm Insurance, began an initiative to build playgrounds and recreation centers around the country.
Does James have a big ego? Hell yeah, few superstars don't. But also recognize he has a big heart. With the world watching last night, James announced a partnership with the University of Phoenix that will offer scholarships to people trying to improve their lives. I say let he who spends this much of his downtime making the world a better place burn the first jersey.
I'm not trying to oversimplify the complex issue of race, the demonization of black males or the historical impact that demonization has on our culture. Nor am I blaming the victim. But I don't think anyone learns from this tragedy by scrubbing Grant's background clean. Yes, I believe race played a significant role in his untimely death. But I also believe the decisions Grant made throughout his shortened life played an even larger part. This is why James helping to provide a support system in which young people are better equipped to make smarter decisions is so important, especially for black males who statistically are more prone to die by the hands of another black male than a white police officer.
Question James' basketball decision all you want, but I find it unfair to question his character. Cynics will say James is just formulating more tax write-offs. Hey, he's a smart man, so I doubt that hasn't crossed his mind. But he's also a caring athlete, one who refreshingly opts to be part of the solution as opposed to being part of or ignoring the problem.
If dissing his hometown in an hour-long ego stroke is the worst thing he's ever done, then I say he's doing all right.
I skipped the non-Lebron parts to keep it NBA, click the link for the entire story..good read, class act..
Now for all of the criticism he has received for orchestrating the hour-long special and leaving Cleveland, not enough attention has been given to the hidden gem of the story: the $2.5 million he raised for the Boys and Girls Club of America. Thousands of children with little or nothing to do after school were greatly helped by James' philanthropy, according to Frank Sanchez, a vice president of the Boys and Girls Clubs. To me, that is far more significant than his signing with the Heat.
James was set for life his rookie year. The NBA is a billion-dollar entertainment business, which means the Dan Gilberts, Jim Dolans and David Sterns of the world are also set for life. But providing a safe place for children whose futures are still in question, especially those who see James as a role model, is far more influential on their lives than him winning a championship or two. In addition to the cash raised, the gesture takes the overwhelming media attention surrounding James' free agency and points it in the direction of a single, but important step in a long series of steps needed to curtail the violence on our streets every day, all over this country.
So many black athletes are quick to talk about growing up in the 'hood and the violence that surrounded them, but so few rush to use their cultural capital to change that environment so those who are not as physically gifted can find their way out as well. Ever since he came into the league in 2003, James has worked tirelessly to help young people -- and not just in Ohio. Two years ago his foundation, in conjunction with State Farm Insurance, began an initiative to build playgrounds and recreation centers around the country.
Does James have a big ego? Hell yeah, few superstars don't. But also recognize he has a big heart. With the world watching last night, James announced a partnership with the University of Phoenix that will offer scholarships to people trying to improve their lives. I say let he who spends this much of his downtime making the world a better place burn the first jersey.
I'm not trying to oversimplify the complex issue of race, the demonization of black males or the historical impact that demonization has on our culture. Nor am I blaming the victim. But I don't think anyone learns from this tragedy by scrubbing Grant's background clean. Yes, I believe race played a significant role in his untimely death. But I also believe the decisions Grant made throughout his shortened life played an even larger part. This is why James helping to provide a support system in which young people are better equipped to make smarter decisions is so important, especially for black males who statistically are more prone to die by the hands of another black male than a white police officer.
Question James' basketball decision all you want, but I find it unfair to question his character. Cynics will say James is just formulating more tax write-offs. Hey, he's a smart man, so I doubt that hasn't crossed his mind. But he's also a caring athlete, one who refreshingly opts to be part of the solution as opposed to being part of or ignoring the problem.
If dissing his hometown in an hour-long ego stroke is the worst thing he's ever done, then I say he's doing all right.