While in Washington, D.C., last week, family members of NBA superstar LeBron James highlighted the extraordinary impact of the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) and its ongoing mission to uplift and empower communities. The organization’s efforts, which began in Akron, Ohio, where the foundation’s namesake was raised, have become a national model for athletes, entertainers, and politicians alike.
Gloria James, the celebrated athlete’s mother, expressed immense pride in her son’s accomplishments both on and off the court.
“I’m very honored to be LeBron’s mother. He has done so much for our community and for people across the world. He’s so unselfish,” Gloria James said, emphasizing that her son’s greatness extends beyond his athletic achievements. “He’s not only the GOAT (greatest of all time) on the court, but off the court. He’s a humanitarian, a great father and husband, and a great advocate for his community, people of color, and the underdog.”
The proud mother and members of LJFF were in Washington, D.C. to appear on an episode of the PBS show “The Chavis Chronicles,” hosted by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
The LJFF, through its flagship “I PROMISE” program, serves over 1,400 students in the Akron area, offering comprehensive support that extends far beyond academics. The foundation’s work, as Gloria James described, is about more than just raising graduation rates; it’s about redefining the concepts of family and community.
“What we learned was that you can’t just help one person in the family and expect it to be of great significance,” she explained. “Even when it comes to housing or food, we address those issues as well. We know that a lot of our families can’t provide meals for themselves for a full family throughout the entire month, so we have pantries.”
The holistic approach to community support has become the cornerstone of the LJFF’s mission.
“Unfortunately, some kids don’t have that in their lives,” Gloria James noted, referring to the love, compassion, and support she said true family offers. “They deserve that, and that way it’ll also help them as they grow into adulthood. Family, we take that very seriously.”
Curtis James, the NBA and Olympics champion’s uncle and an assistant at the foundation, highlighted the foundation’s recent projects, including a documentary.
“We just launched a documentary, and my job is to inspire people through my podcast. We want people to do the right thing. It’s not just through our music. Family keeps me in the community, and Akron will always need inspiration, so I try to be a model for people to do better and be better,” Curtis James shared.
The LJFF’s influence has extended to the University of Akron, where the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education operates with selective admission criteria to nurture future educators who will continue the foundation’s legacy of community upliftment.
“What I’ve learned through our foundation is that helping your community is probably one of the most important jobs you can have,” said Gloria James, who works as a third-grade teacher’s aide at the I PROMISE school. “Especially if you’re on a platform that allows you to help, not just talk about it, but be about it. Put your money up. Our city has been so responsive positively that it makes us want to do even more.”
The family’s commitment to Akron and its residents is unwavering. As Gloria James noted, they are not just making a difference but setting a precedent for others to follow.
“We also have blueprints for other athletes, actors, mayors of other cities, and we’re willing to share the blueprint so others in other cities can build up their communities. We’ve been able to change lives.”
LeBron James’ Success, Dedication to His Community
Reflecting on LeBron James’ journey to superstardom, his mother expressed pride not just in his athletic success, but in his dedication to his community.
“I’ve always been very proud of him,” Gloria James asserted. “He’s such a giving and caring and compassionate person. What’s most important to LeBron is the work that he does off the court. That’s the changes that he makes in the lives of the people in our community.”
The mother and philanthropist also shared her emotions during one of her son’s most iconic moments—carrying the Olympic flag.
“Every time LeBron exceeds expectations, which is often, I feel he’s given more than he’s received. But seeing him carrying the Olympic flag made me feel even more special; that was almost surreal,” she noted. “Think back years ago when Blacks and people of color had such a hard time being chosen for something so honorable, so to see that made it even more special. To see them with medals around their necks, it just confirms that he’s done all the right things and he’s deserving.”
The excitement continues for the James family, as the Olympian’s son, Bronny James, is expected to join him on the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season.
“That will be very special. I know LeBron is extremely excited about playing with his son,” the mother and grandmother said, beaming with pride at the prospect of the father-son duo making history together on the court.
Marshon Jones, a Cleveland native, and Curtis James’ music partner accompanied the family to D.C. and reflected on his journey.
“When I released my first record, I was called the LeBron James of rap, but who would ever have thought I’d be sitting here today with LeBron’s mother, Gloria, and Curtis,” he remarked, acknowledging the deep connections that the James family has fostered within their community.
Despite the success, Gloria James said the family maintains a close circle.
“We’ve been really blessed,” she said. “Our family has been respectful. No one has really felt like they want a place in the center circle that we have, so things have worked out really well.”
In reflecting on the foundation’s broad impact, Gloria James summed up their mission with heartfelt pride.
“What’s most important to LeBron is the work that he does off the court. That’s the changes that he makes in the lives of the people in our community. Coming from this same community at a time when we also needed this same help—he’s only done what he promised to do.”