For LeBron James, it has always been bigger than the game. In addition to opening a public school for at-risk youth in his hometown and selling over 100 game-worn sneakers via Upper Deck to support The LeBron James Family Foundation, LeBron is now set to make history at the Smithsonian.
This fall, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will display James’ mismatched Nike LeBron 15 “Equality” sneakers worn against the Washington Wizards in D.C. in December 2017.
The announcement, made yesterday to a group of 59 kids from across the country, came as a special surprise to the children, who had no idea what to expect during their two-day experience.
By the invitation of Nike and LeBron, the kids sported the brands “Equality” line as they toured monuments and visited Capitol Hill before receiving the news.
Due to prior commitments, LeBron couldn’t be at the event but had taken some time prior to shoot a message to the kids and encourage them to capitalize on the moment and take pictures with the kicks before their public release.
“Equality is all about understanding our rights, understanding what we stand for, and how powerful we are, as men, as women, black or white”
Watch King James’ message below.
READ MORE: Why LeBron’s I Promise School Is Bigger Than Any Championship Ring