For some time, we as fans, writers, and spectators of the sports we watch have come to know that most of the athletes we watch on t.v. come from tough environments. Most are the black rose that came through the concrete of their area to become the success story we all love to read about.
So as many of these miracle athletes become of age and reach the top of their sports perfusion, they turn back to their communities of which they are from and give back. Different athletes from different sports are all opening up their wallets and brands to give hope to the next generation of kids.
Here are a few of those Athletes:
LeBron James, NBA:
This past summer, LeBron made the decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and head to LA, but before he left, LeBron left one major mark on Akron, Ohio that will have a greater impact on the community than any championship could ever have.
In July of 2018, Lebron James opened up his public school “I Promise.” This school is comprised of 240 students in the 3rd and 4th grade who were academically behind their peers in performance. By the year 2022, the school will enroll students from kindergarten to 8th grade. The school day is longer than other schools starting from 9 am to 5 pm, and the school year starts in July and does not let out until May. Each students gets breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day. The students also are provided with bikes as well.
The kids are getting a lot, but Lebron James did not leave the parents hanging either. The “I Promise” school will also provide GED classes as well as Job placement programs as well.
LeBron has truly out done himself.
HA HA Clinton-Dix, NFL:
From first round draft pick from Alabama, where he was able to help lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship, to Green Bay Packers. Ha HA has always made an impact on the field, but he has started to make his impact off the field.
In January of this year, HA HA opened up the HA HA Hero Headquarters at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Milwaukee. HA HA provided the school with 600+ books and a reading space in the school. The HERO is an acronym that stands for Hope, Education, Resources, and Opportunity.
HA HA expresses that education is very important, and the space is meant to motivate, empower, and encouragement to be heroes and excel in school. HA HA is also in school, which helps him relate to the students. HA HA left early for the NFL after his third university in college. HA HA was just 7 credits shy of getting his degree from Alabama.
HA HA is an inspiration to all, and what he is doing in the community is outstanding. We should all follow HA HA lead and try to be HEROs!
(Feature Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)