The Book of James

LeBron James is a professional basketball player, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Nicknamed “King James", there is no doubt he is one of the greatest players of all time. He is also a passionate father, husband, son and friend. LeBron is loyal, outspoken and oftentimes brutally honest. He has political opinions about many subjects but first and foremost he has become a powerful voice on and off the basketball court for justice and equality. Against the backdrop of his life story, Valerie Babb, a Professor of Humanities and author, narrates the evolution of African American culture societally and politically. Change occurs but progress is shockingly slow. LeBron was the poor Black boy from a broken home with a 16 year old mother and no extended family to support them. They moved a lot and if it wasn’t for the kindness of some neighborhood friends they would have been living on the streets. But his mother Gloria never gave up on him, never stopped loving him. In a society where children slip through the cracks every day, LeBron was stood tall. Very tall. He was strong and athletic and when teachers and the community reached out Gloria made sure he had every opportunity she could grab onto. It was not a “gift” as some say. It was hard work. No-one has worked harder on the court than LeBron. Even as a superstar he is a team player through and through. His business has grown to make him one of the most wealthy and successful athletes that ever existed. He has put much of this success in the hands of a trusted few who have known him since childhood. He has advocated for education, health care and an end to police brutality in the black community. LeBron wants change in America and it is apparent that he will never stop fighting for justice. Aside from his impressive accomplishments, LeBron cares. This work of non fiction is educational, honest and eye opening. Maybe we should all open our eyes a little more, wake up America. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️