LeBron James, the NBA champion and arguably the most popular living Ohioan, has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. In an op-ed in the Business Insider he shared a specific message on why Ohio children helped him make the decision.
“When I look at this year’s presidential race only one person running truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty,” wrote James. “And when I think about the kinds of policies and ideas the kids in my foundation need from our government, the choice is clear. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.”
James says when he returned to Cleveland two years ago he had two missions. One was to win an NBA championship, which he accomplished earlier this year, and the other was to make sure the LeBron James Family Foundation had the resources to help children “stay in school and reach their dreams” through education.
“Hillary has always been a champion for children and their futures,” wrote James. “For over 40 years, she’s been working to improve public schools, expand access to health care, support children’s hospitals, and so much more. She wants to make sure kids have access to a good education, no matter what zip code they live in. She’ll rebuild schools that are falling apart and put more money into computer science. She’ll make sure teachers are paid what they deserve so they can give everything to their students.”
James, who is considered a hero in Ohio after leading the NBA’s Cleveland Cavilers to its first championship in decades, did not mention Donald Trump. But he did bring up the complicated relationship between law enforcement and the African American community.
“We must address the violence, of every kind, the African-American community is experiencing in our streets and seeing on our TVs,” wrote James. “I believe rebuilding our communities by focusing on at-risk children is a significant part of the solution. However, I am not a politician, I don’t know everything it will take finally to end the violence. But I do know we need a president who brings us together and keeps us unified. Policies and ideas that divide us more are not the solution.”
The northeast area of Ohio is considered vital to Clinton’s chances to carrying the Buckeye State in November. James endorsed Obama in both 2008 and 2012.