LeBron James has been outspoken about his dislike for the current President of the United States. Donald Trump is not everyone’s favorite person (actually, many celebrities and influencers hate him), so it’s not a surprise James is on that list. When Trump was elected, James had Tweeted about Trump’s complaints on Stephen Curry and his “hesitation” to visit the White House. Trump had made statements about how visiting the White House is considered “a great honor” for a championship team. But, after Curry “hesitated” on going, Trump “withdrew” the invite. Ouch, Trump, sounds like a teenage girl fighting with her friends – “you’re so not invited to my birthday party anymore, Sharon.”
LeBron James was quick to fire back at Trump saying Curry already said he didn’t want to go, and who would want to go anyway? Going to the White House was a great honor until Trump invaded. James handing Trump that L he so desperately needs.
While this happened back in September, LeBron hasn’t stopped the political jabs at the President. Over the weekend, the NBA star was sure to wear some seriously political shoes during a game that was played only miles from the White House. The shoes send a powerful message to Trump and anyone else who pays close attention. Like many other black athletes, James has pointed out Trump’s racist agenda and the inability to accept minorities as “equal. The shoes, which have one black shoe and one white shoe, are embroidered with the word “equality” across the back. Symbolically, it’s a powerful message.
LeBron James wears "equality" shoes — one black, one white, with "equality" in gold capital letters — during game, saying afterward his choice of footwear was related to the game being played about a mile from President Trump's White House https://t.co/2Bw883DiIF pic.twitter.com/Hz937vMHSM
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 18, 2017
When asked what the meaning of “equality” is for LeBron, he said:
Us as Americans, no matter the skin color, no matter the race, no matter who you are, we all have to understand having equal rights and being able to stand for something, speak for something and keeping the conversation going.
After wearing Nike shoes with the word "equality" written on them, @KingJames explains what that statement meant. pic.twitter.com/fERKymNh3S
— FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati (@FanDuelSN_CIN) December 18, 2017
The full quote from LeBron James on why he chose to wear one black and one white “EQUALITY” shoe tonight: pic.twitter.com/7yNGG0Lphz
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 18, 2017
Twitter users were in full support of his message and the sneakers.
Love this. Thank you @KingJames for speaking for so many of us. 👏🏽 👏🏽 Bravo 👏🏽
— sunrainsunrain 🌞🌧️🌞🌧️ (@sunrainsunrain) December 18, 2017
So perfect.
— Lake Erie’s Lone Beatnik (@marissadesantis) December 17, 2017
— علي عبدالله 🇰🇼 (@Ali_a_als) December 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/andthefoul/status/942641147599400965
The message on LeBron James’ sneakers tonight in DC. Equality! Thank you @KingJames for promoting positive social change. pic.twitter.com/jlugV3EQFB
— Oren Segal (@orensegal) December 18, 2017
— Freddy Brown (@freddy_brown3) December 18, 2017
Lebron James is an amazing human 🙏🏾🎈🖤 idc what you say his brand will surpass Jordan.
— 🗣DaRedBalloonDon🎈🙏🏾 BowardWoward (@Dj4dot) December 18, 2017
Great message @KingJames,
Speaking of equality, let's pay all athletes equally. An average pay of per se $5 mil for all seems fair. Doesn't it Lebron?
⚡️ “LeBron James wore 'equality' shoes in a dig at Trump”https://t.co/LdqraMfow7
— Joe Stubbs (@joey_stubb) December 18, 2017
LeBron James not just a great basketball player but speaking up for equality…very special person.
— Team Pribisko (@TeamPribisko) December 18, 2017