LeBron James to donate $2.5 million to National Museum of African American History and Culture
LeBron James is known for his outstanding prowess on the court but now he will also be known for his philanthropy.
He has announced that he will be donating $2.5 million in order to support “Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change.” This is an exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“Muhammad Ali is such a cornerstone of me as an athlete because of what he represented not only in the ring as a champion but more outside the ring — what he stood for, what he spoke for, his demeanor,” said James.
The donation is coming from LeBron’s charitable foundation and Maverick Carter who is his business partner.
“His support will help us to continue the story of Muhammad Ali and will encourage athletes to realize how important athletics is in terms of social justice,” said museum founding director Lonnie Bunch.
— LeBron James denounces racism after home is vandalized —
Before the exhibit opened Michael Jordan also donated to it, to the tune of $5 million.
The Ali exhibit includes items like his headgear and training robe from his trainer Angelo Dundee’s 5th Street Gym. It also shows his many achievements in community activism, spirituality, resistance, politics and culture among other things.
“I am overwhelmed by the incredible generosity LeBron James has shown,” Lonnie Ali, Muhammad’s widow said in a statement. “This exhibit will enable children visiting the Smithsonian to learn more about Muhammad’s work outside of the ring, particularly his humanitarian work and stance on social justice for all people. … I know that if Muhammad was alive today, he would be honored.”
