It took longer than many may have expected, but Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is making his first appearance on a Wheaties box while on the cusp of winning his fourth NBA title.
The 35-year-old has company on the famous cereal container.
Students and other members from the I PROMISE school that James opened in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, are displayed on the box that includes a lengthy message.
Champion is not who you are. It’s what you do. We’re proud to announce that @kingjames, along with the students and community from @ipromiseschool, is our next Wheaties Champion. ORDER NOW: https://t.co/e3rbHdaXmq #ChampionOfChange pic.twitter.com/RPkTxIhoif
— Wheaties (@wheaties) October 7, 2020
In a brief video, James added the motto: "Champion is not who you are. It's what you do."
Our kids?! LeBron?! The @wheaties box cover?! What an honor and inspiration it is for our scholars to see themselves on the iconic Wheaties box alongside their hero, leader, and true champion of change. @KingJames
— I PROMISE School (@IPROMISESchool) October 7, 2020
#IPROMISE #WeChampionpic.twitter.com/h5qQjIOlpD
Per ESPN, part of the message printed on the back of the box reads:
"The school is built on the premise that no one walks through life alone. Every day when the I PROMISE kids and families walk through the doors ... they know the path they're on is the path of a champion."
James has become an outspoken activist during the second half of his Hall of Fame career. Along with his I PROMISE initiatives, he's also heavily involved in the "More Than A Vote" movement sparked by the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by police officers.
"We are focused on systemic, targeted voter suppression in our community and have a specific mission: educate, energize and protect Black voters," reads a letter shared by "More Than a Vote" and signed by James back in August.
"We are driven by a shared understanding that our influence and prominence, particularly among young people, is a responsibility to continue the tradition of Black athletes working together to fight for justice and equality."
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