LeBron James and other athletes form group to prevent Black voter suppression
“We’re going to give you the background of how to vote and what they’re trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting,” James said.
LeBron James announced Wednesday (June 10) that he and other athletes and entertainers have formed a new group aimed at protecting voter rights for Black people.
According to the The New York Times, the organization called More Than a Vote, will inspire African-Americans to register to vote and cast a ballot in the upcoming November presidential election. Skylar Diggins, Jalen Rose, Trae Young, Kevin Hart and more will use their platforms to encourage people to get out and vote.
“Because of everything that’s going on, people are finally starting to listen to us — we feel like we’re finally getting a foot in the door,” James said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “How long is up to us. We don’t know. But, we feel like we’re getting some ears and some attention and this is the time for us to finally make a difference.”
“Yes, we want you to go out and vote, but we’re also going to give you the tutorial,” James continued. “We’re going to give you the background of how to vote and what they’re trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting.”
The Memorial Day killing of George Floyd helped convince James that he needed “to get out and do a little bit more.” Former athletes have inspired him to stand up for what is right, even when times are difficult.
“I’m inspired by the likes of Muhammad Ali. I’m inspired by the Bill Russells and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbars, the Oscar Robertsons — those guys who stood when the times were even way worse than they are today,” the Los Angeles Lakers star said. “Hopefully, someday down the line, people will recognize me not only for the way I approached the game of basketball, but the way I approached life as an African-American man.”