When LeBron returned to Cleveland the headlines and homemade signs set the tone: "One Man, One City." A super slick Nike production followed with an inspirational video of LeBron uniting the city through a "togetherness" theme. The "All In" and "Let's Do it for Cleveland" campaigns quickly followed. They were talking about basketball. Nothing else.
I, along with other Clevelanders, long for another call-out of sorts, one that doesn't pertain to Cleveland Cavaliers wins or NBA titles: One Man, One City, 400,000 people... Everyone step up!
LeBron James has branded himself as a "King", but he does not reign over the residents of my beloved city. He does, however, show tremendous leadership on and off the court. But how does that relate to his involvement with race relations and civil matters? It doesn't and people need to stop asking him to get involved.
Samaria Rice, the mother of the 12-year old African-American Cleveland boy shot to death by white police officers in November 2014, wanted the basketball phenom to support the case surrounding her son, Tamir. Ms. Rice revealed in an interview with News One Now host Roland Martin, "I think it's quite sad that LeBron (James) hasn't spoken out about my son."
Samaria Rice said in an earlier newsone.com. interview, "I'm not asking him to sit out a game. I know his kids got to eat, too. But you can at least put on a shirt or something. I'm not asking nobody to quit their job or anything, but make a statement for us black people out here."
Since then many people have backed Ms. Rice's request through rants on social media and blogs. I can't imagine a mother's agony after such a tragedy and I do believe that there was foul play regarding the death of her son. But instead of asking only LeBron to step up, why not call on everyone? Why not call on politicians, clergy, business owners and parents to make a statement and wear supportive t-shirts condemning police violence? Why not use the media to call out all black people -- all over the world?
This latest call for social change goes much deeper than Ms. Rice's plea to LeBron. I live in Cleveland and some folks think LeBron should do whatever is asked of him as if he owes us something. LeBron doesn't owe us shit.
Some people speak against him because he may not support a charity or fashion show. Others are mad at him because he won't make an appearance at an event. All this, of course, pales by comparison, to a mother's request for her slain son.
In that regard, perhaps some people got it twisted when LeBron wore the "I Can't Breathe" t-shirt. Many demonstrators wore the shirts echoing the repetitive phrase Eric Garner spoke as he was being placed in a choke-hold by New York police officers. The video went viral and people took action after hearing 43-year-old Garner screech out the phrase. Garner later died in police custody and people from all socioeconomic walks of life, including professional athletes expressed solidarity by wearing the t-shirts.
Black boys and men dying at the hands of cops is serious. But who's accountable to take a stand?
LeBron's pockets are financially fat and his stardom huge, but that doesn't mean he should stand for everything. To what he chooses to attach his name and brand is his decision alone. And we should not forget all the work he's already doing for plenty of Ohio kids through his foundation. Last year, it was announced the non profit, LeBron James Foundation will spend $41 million to send underrepresented kids to college.
I think we, as residents of Cleveland and citizens of this great nation, need to carefully review on whom we call and why. We should develop proactive strategies of our own that can move the needle on issues of importance. As a whole we need to stop depending on wealthy sports stars or other celebrities to save the day. We're capable of making our own way, aren't we?
I've never met LeBron James nor do I know how he truly feels about Ms. Rice's statement. But I believe there has to be some part of him wondering if and when people will get off his back.
As a small business owner and founder of The Woman of Power Leadership Conference, even though negative magazine articles read differently, I do see promise in the city we've coined "BelieveLAND". Six years ago, Forbes.com ranked Cleveland as the most miserable city in the United States. We're better than that -- with or without LeBron -- but we need stronger systems of accountability and integrity to help us turn the corner.
I believe I live in one of the greatest cities in the country and like my neighbors, I long to witness an NBA championship. But I'm also not alone in wanting to witness a thriving metropolis off the court.
I don't believe Ms. Rice meant any harm in questioning LeBron's loyalty, but she needs to be mindful there are nearly half a million other people who are also eligible to support her cause.
Let's let athletes be athletes and not view them as a save-all, be-all, because in all honesty they just aren't, not even "King" James.