LeBron Opens School in Hometown.

a reply to: zosimov

Lebron only overcame his struggles because he's a genetic freak of nature.
Unfortunately that's what many kids try to emulate.

In my opinion lebron and every other role model need to try to change the culture of these kids.

I hate to say bill Cosby now but he actually preached to kids about education.
That's what these kids need.
Hopefully this school will help but history has not been kind.

originally posted by: network dude

originally posted by: InTheLight

originally posted by: network dude
a reply to: zosimov

I am going to say something negative here, so I apologize in advance. And with a second disclaimer, if LeBron would have been pro Trump or nothing at all political, I likely would have said nothing.

This is why famous folks should not get political.(IMHO) He is doing something great here, and I wish more who were given the gift of more money than you could ever spend because of your skill set would do. But there are those who would try to find fault with him, just because of his outspokenness over Trump. I like Robert De Nero as an actor, and if he never ran off at the mouth, I'd be happier and not cringe when I saw him. Perhaps it's just me. But as with the NFL and protesting, sure, you have every right to do whatever you want to, but you can't change how those who were your fans will react, if you want to keep them as fans, just avoid the opinions in public. If you don't care about your fan base, and really like the idea of pissing off about half of those who would otherwise like you, don't change a thing.

Where is the 20 billion dollars to be allocated to educational programs Trump promised to help inner city kids? I can't find anything on this.

I'm not sure what your point is, but I think it has to do with a sickness. Is your monkey down with the sickness?

Is yours up a tree running off at the mouth?

a reply to: Bluntone22

All great points. You are right that there is more to this issue than simply access to education. The school really DOES seem to be taking a pronged approach, but only time will tell if it is the right one.

originally posted by: zosimov
a reply to: network dude

I really appreciate your measured comment

Why is it that we (ALL of us seem to do it) need to know what someone's opinion of Trump is before we decide whether we can respect this person's words or actions?

Good question. As you can see from the responses, just the mention of his name will trigger some as it did me. I still think LeBron is an amazing athlete, and I still think De Nero is an amazing actor. And sorry to be "that guy", but I also know their political opinion is worth as much as mine as a measured value, but due to their high profile, they are heard and exploited, where my opinion is relegated to this forum and that's about it. (I don't speak about politics in real life, it would likely turn away business, long before it brought any to me)

But Trump is such a polarizing figure, and as with anything, if nobody made a big deal out of it, it would go away quickly. He's already 2 years in, done some good things, and by me recognizing that, I'm a "insert derogatory name here", and for others, finding any way possible to turn the good things he has done into a negative makes them morally and intellectually superior to me.

But as to the OP, I hope more celebrities and money folks realize that helping kids is the single best way to secure a bright future for everyone.

a reply to: zosimov

Kool, I know that Akon, is putting in a lot of work lightening up hard to access communities across Africa too..bigups to those who put up.
At this point I wished Betsy DeVos would be so inclined to do more.

originally posted by: InTheLight

originally posted by: network dude

originally posted by: InTheLight

originally posted by: network dude
a reply to: zosimov

I am going to say something negative here, so I apologize in advance. And with a second disclaimer, if LeBron would have been pro Trump or nothing at all political, I likely would have said nothing.

This is why famous folks should not get political.(IMHO) He is doing something great here, and I wish more who were given the gift of more money than you could ever spend because of your skill set would do. But there are those who would try to find fault with him, just because of his outspokenness over Trump. I like Robert De Nero as an actor, and if he never ran off at the mouth, I'd be happier and not cringe when I saw him. Perhaps it's just me. But as with the NFL and protesting, sure, you have every right to do whatever you want to, but you can't change how those who were your fans will react, if you want to keep them as fans, just avoid the opinions in public. If you don't care about your fan base, and really like the idea of pissing off about half of those who would otherwise like you, don't change a thing.

Where is the 20 billion dollars to be allocated to educational programs Trump promised to help inner city kids? I can't find anything on this.

I'm not sure what your point is, but I think it has to do with a sickness. Is your monkey down with the sickness?

Is yours up a tree running off at the mouth?

Disturbed reference including some TDS. You know, the first step in getting help is to admit you have a problem.

originally posted by: network dude

originally posted by: InTheLight

originally posted by: network dude

originally posted by: InTheLight

originally posted by: network dude
a reply to: zosimov

I am going to say something negative here, so I apologize in advance. And with a second disclaimer, if LeBron would have been pro Trump or nothing at all political, I likely would have said nothing.

This is why famous folks should not get political.(IMHO) He is doing something great here, and I wish more who were given the gift of more money than you could ever spend because of your skill set would do. But there are those who would try to find fault with him, just because of his outspokenness over Trump. I like Robert De Nero as an actor, and if he never ran off at the mouth, I'd be happier and not cringe when I saw him. Perhaps it's just me. But as with the NFL and protesting, sure, you have every right to do whatever you want to, but you can't change how those who were your fans will react, if you want to keep them as fans, just avoid the opinions in public. If you don't care about your fan base, and really like the idea of pissing off about half of those who would otherwise like you, don't change a thing.

Where is the 20 billion dollars to be allocated to educational programs Trump promised to help inner city kids? I can't find anything on this.

I'm not sure what your point is, but I think it has to do with a sickness. Is your monkey down with the sickness?

Is yours up a tree running off at the mouth?

Disturbed reference including some TDS. You know, the first step in getting help is to admit you have a problem.

Then you should start following your own advice.

originally posted by: Bluntone22
a reply to: zosimov

Lebron only overcame his struggles because he's a genetic freak of nature.
Unfortunately that's what many kids try to emulate.

In my opinion lebron and every other role model need to try to change the culture of these kids.

I hate to say bill Cosby now but he actually preached to kids about education.
That's what these kids need.
Hopefully this school will help but history has not been kind.

I applaud Lebron for putting up some money. It remains to be seen if it is successful as money isn't really the issue in most of these communities. Money won't change a dysfunctional culture that idolizes hustlers and athletics, Nor will it change a culture that breeds single mothers and looks down on education.

Many have been doing something similar for the longest time with mixed success. Bill Cosby has probably given more money to educate blacks than any other celebrity. He was doing back in the 80s before it was even fashionable. Bill Cosby gave Spelman College $20 million in 1988. That is the equivalent of writing a check for about $43,000,000 today.

Let that sink in.

The 100 Blackmen organization adopted a classroom at a poor school in 1988 and guaranteed to pay for their college.

I was trying to find the story, but I know there was some really wealthy business man that guaranteed to pay for college for a classroom of students I think in Philadelphia. However, most of the students failed to even get that far...

a reply to: zosimov

Wow! I thought the thread'd be full of #-talking against LeBron and 'thugs,' but it's stayed upbeat and positive.

It's a great thing that he's doing and I hope it works out for him and especially those who pass through the school. He has the almost unique opportunity to set the ethos of the place instead of trying to change an existing ethos.

Team-wise, who has he got in his Foundation? Are they specialists with expertise working with disengaged kids? It takes a certain type of character to teach kids from tough areas and rough backgrounds - it's not for most teachers. They're partners with Akron Public Schools so I'm curious if they have a good track record in the area? If they do, it'll make sense to get them on board. If they don't, he's inviting problems, and possibly failure, really early.

Still, it's great to see a legend 'giving back' and trying to be more than a sportsman or woman. There's a footballer, Didier Drogba, who spent millions on building a hospital in Cote D'Ivoire. Some legends show deep souls whereas others are happier doing the hospice run and getting a few photos with ill children. Even that's better than doing nothing, but this plan of LeBron's is the cool # that might inspire other ridiculously rich sports people to leave a greater legacy.

a reply to: Edumakated

I agree that culture has a lot to do with it. American society has been exposed to a fairly violent and overtly sexual (with disparaging references to family) message for some time now. I do think the current is shifting. I really hope so.

a reply to: Edumakated

You're exactly right the school is pretty but not the solution. Young black men need to be taught that education is the way out of poverty.

a reply to: Edumakated

It remains to be seen if it is successful as money isn't really the issue in most of these communities. Money won't change a dysfunctional culture that idolizes hustlers and athletics, Nor will it change a culture that breeds single mothers and looks down on education.

"As a black man" what would you do? Is it too late to for black people to succeed? There must be a saving grace to black people. They can't all be bad. Please, "as a black man", shine some light. It looks like every time someone has a positive you come posting negative comments and putting black people down. Show us the way.

a reply to: Kandinsky

It's a great step, and I hope to see an article in 11 years detailing some of the graduates

I was really encouraged by this quote from the article:

They settled on a program that helped teach the skills children need to handle trauma they see in their daily lives, combined with a hard math and science curriculum that would help further their education.

Definitely will be interesting to follow the progress!

a reply to: zosimov

I hope they succeed and make a difference. Realistically not everybody will graduate and go on to employment if the area is short of jobs. It's a risk with successful people needing to move away to make progress (brain drain) which won't lift the neighbourhood as much as they'd like.

I'm all for making the effort. Too many people have given up and then blame the populations for sinking economically, educationally and even morally. Programs have come and gone which created societal improvements but they rarely get to stay longer than 3-4 years. Long-term change desperately needs commitment.

originally posted by: SilverOwls
a reply to: Edumakated

It remains to be seen if it is successful as money isn't really the issue in most of these communities. Money won't change a dysfunctional culture that idolizes hustlers and athletics, Nor will it change a culture that breeds single mothers and looks down on education.

"As a black man" what would you do? Is it too late to for black people to succeed? There must be a saving grace to black people. They can't all be bad. Please, "as a black man", shine some light. It looks like every time someone has a positive you come posting negative comments and putting black people down. Show us the way.

No it isn't too late. However, the black community has to come to terms with why the community is in such a dysfunctional state. The lack of self-awareness and victimology is why we are getting left behind. We can't accept the truth that we are responsible for our own condition and opportunities. The culture we create and the choices we make as a people are what determines success. Not free money. Blaming the white man either accomplishes nothing.

It isn't about being negative, it is being truthful and realistic.

I said I applaud him for putting up some money, but that still does not change the facts as to why the school or community is in such bad shape.

My problem is"

LeBron just put his money where his mouth isn't. This is school choice, This is basically everything anyone he says he supports politically is for. He voted that his money can do better without the government then with the government

Being a conspiracy site:

How random do you think the student selection was? It will be interesting to see how many kids had Learning disabilities in the main district and if the percentage is the same in LeBron's school, That goes for disciplinary kids.

originally posted by: SocratesJohnson
My problem is"

LeBron just put his money where his mouth isn't. This is school choice, This is basically everything anyone he says he supports politically is for. He voted that his money can do better without the government then with the government

Being a conspiracy site:

How random do you think the student selection was? It will be interesting to see how many kids had Learning disabilities in the main district and if the percentage is the same in LeBron's school, That goes for disciplinary kids.

I was going to bring this up too. He is going against the political party he claims to support showing you how uninformed he is politically.

a reply to: Edumakated

I wonder if politics should permeate and take over EVERY aspect of our lives, and fashion every move? I would hope not.

But I honestly can't quite understand this point.. about politics. Maybe I'm showing my political ignorance (because I do try to keep a healthy distance) but what do you and socrates mean by this?

Yes, LeBron is paving the way and those working with him, hopefully, will work out the kinks, we can look at this as a study in progress.

originally posted by: zosimov
a reply to: Edumakated

I wonder if politics should permeate and take over EVERY aspect of our lives, and fashion every move? I would hope not.

But I honestly can't quite understand this point.. about politics. Maybe I'm showing my political ignorance (because I do try to keep a healthy distance) but what do you and socrates mean by this?

It is no secret that the public school system has been failing in urban areas. As you know, public school attendance is largely based on where you live. Because schools tend to reflect the communities they serve, if you live in a bad neighborhood, you will most likely have a bad public school.

Nevertheless, conservatives have long supported school choice so parents that actually give a damn about their kid's education have an opportunity to put them better schools. Many conservatives support vouchers, charter schools, and other alternative methods.

Democrats are against school choice or any other kind of alternative education schemes because they are beholden to the teachers unions. They have repeatedly shown they value teachers unions over everyday black folks education.

Obama Wrong on DC School Choice

In a way, Lebron is providing school choice through his charity. Yet, he vocally supports the political party that tries to shut what he is doing down. Makes no sense.