LeBron James Celebrates First Graduate from ‘I Promise’ Program

On a heartfelt and momentous occasion, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James celebrated the graduation of Anthony Claytor from Kent State University, marking the LeBron James Family Foundation’s first graduate from its ‘I Promise’ program. James expressed his pride and excitement on X, formerly known as Twitter, by resharing his organization’s post and congratulating Anthony Claytor for his significant achievement.

“CONGRATULATIONS ANTHONY!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU YOUNG 🤴🏽!!!!!!!” James tweeted, reflecting his genuine joy and pride.

The ‘I Promise’ initiative was launched in 2011, targeting third-grade students from James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio. Over the years, the program has expanded and now educates 1,100 Akron public school students in grades six through eleven, alongside 343 students in grades three through five at the I Promise School. The initiative was born from James’ deep-rooted commitment to giving back to his community and supporting the youth who face challenges similar to those he experienced in his own childhood.

CONGRATULATIONS ANTHONY!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU YOUNG 🤴🏾!!!!!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🫡 https://t.co/eHFlIVwOXZ

— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 4, 2024

In 2020, Kent State University partnered with the LeBron James Family Foundation to provide a more substantial support system for the I Promise students. The university guaranteed free tuition for four years and one year of room and board for the first class of I Promise students who embarked on their educational journey in 2011. This partnership represents a collective investment of time, talent, resources, and attention to the children of Akron, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.

In a surprise visit that left many students inspired, LeBron James visited House Three Thirty to speak directly to the students of the I Promise School. The LeBron James Family Foundation shared a clip of his talk on X, showcasing James’ emotional connection and unwavering support for the students.

“You guys give me so much inspiration on a day-to-day basis,” James said during the event. “No matter if I’m here in Akron, no matter if I’m traveling the world, no matter if I’m with Los Angeles Lakers, I think about you guys every single day. Everywhere I go in the world, I’m always representing you guys.”

James’ dedication to the I Promise School stems from his own childhood experiences. Growing up in Akron, James faced numerous challenges, including a lack of stable housing and limited access to transportation. At the opening of the I Promise School in 2018, he spoke candidly about these struggles and his motivation for establishing the school.

“People ask me, ‘why a school’? And the reason is that I know exactly what these kids are going through … I know all the dreams they have—the nightmares that they have—and that they just need to feel like someone cares about them. Kids just want to know that we care about them,” James stated passionately.

The four-time NBA champion elaborated on his mission to uplift his hometown in a Nike video last year. He emphasized his commitment to using his platform and resources to make a tangible difference in the lives of Akron’s youth, ensuring they have the opportunities and support needed to succeed.

LeBron James’ impact on his hometown community is profound and far-reaching. His dedication to the I Promise initiative and the broader mission of the LeBron James Family Foundation has created a ripple effect of positive change in Akron. By providing educational opportunities, mentorship, and financial support, James is not only changing individual lives but also uplifting the entire community.

The celebration of Anthony Claytor’s graduation is a testament to the success of the I Promise program and the collaborative efforts of the LeBron James Family Foundation and Kent State University. It marks a significant milestone in James’ ongoing mission to bring the people of Akron up with him, ensuring that future generations have the tools and opportunities to achieve their dreams.