- Following his creation of the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, a petition has been launched to have LeBron James replace Betsy DeVos as US Secretary of Education.
- LeBron created the school to help at-risk youth in his hometown.
- "I know that's it's unlikely that LeBron James would give up his highly successful career — especially since he has been generous enough to use that influence to be an inspirational community and youth advocate for millions," the petition reads.
Thousands have been so inspired by LeBron James’ recent opening of the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, that a petition was started to have James replace Betsy DeVos as US Secretary of Education.
Funded by The LeBron James Family Foundation, the public school was created for students at risk of falling behind, with 240 third and fourth graders recently starting school.
"I know the streets they walk; I know the trials and tribulations that they go through," James said at the school's opening."I know the ups, the downs; I know everything that they dream about. I know all the nightmares that they have, because I've been there."
James’ work has been met with positive encouragement and tweets.
God bless The King. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 @KingJameshttps://t.co/it3XbHRrNG
— John Legend (@johnlegend) July 31, 2018
So much positive encouragement and praise that a petition was recently started to have James step into a new role: Secretary of Education.
"LeBron James is an inspiration to kids all over the country. He's shown he cares about America's youth and understands the power of public education in helping children meet their true potential,"the Care2 petition reads.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, 12,600 people have signed the petition — within reach of the organizer's 13,000 signature goal.
James has used his influence and money for positive change in the past. In 2016, The LeBron James Family Foundation pledged $41 million dollars to send 1,100 students to the University of Akron.
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