'I Promise': The real story behind LeBron James's school in his hometown of Akron
Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James is one of the big names featuring in Quibi's shows when it debuts April 6. 'I Promise' is an upcoming unscripted documentary showcasing the first academic year of James' 'I Promise', a school that is specifically aimed at at-risk children and is supported by the LeBron James Family Foundation.
Ahead of the release of the documentary, a news release saw the foundation state: "The series will explore the day-to-day trials, triumphs and life-changing impact of the school staff, students and families working together in a unique, family-first educational environment that embraces the trauma and challenges many faces in Akron."
And while we wait, we can also look at the real story behind the school's origins. Much of it has to do with James's early life. It is well-documented that his mother, Gloria James had him when she was 16. Unstable home conditions meant moving from one place to another— the result was James missing 83 days of school during his fourth grade which compromised quality education. These events served as motivation when James was researching the high school dropout rate in his hometown Akron, Ohio.
Ahead of the school's launch, James took to Twitter and spoke about the reason behind opening the school: "I know these kids basically more than they know themselves. I've walked the same streets, I've rode the same bikes on the streets they ride on, I went through the same emotions, the good, the bad, the adversity. Everything they're going through as kids I know and for me to be in a position where I have the resources, the finances, the people, the structure, and the city around me, why not?"
This isn't the first time James has been involved actively when it comes to education. According to SBNation, he announced in 2015 about an initiative that would pay for more than 1000 children to attend college. He also funded the 'Wheels for Education' program in 2011 which sees kids being provided with basic amenities that help in completing and improving their student lives.
You can watch the trailer of the Quibi documentary, 'I Promise' here:
'I Promise' releases on Quibi on April 6, 2020.