LeBron James wore equality shoes -- one black, one white, with "equality" in gold capital letters during a game on December 17th against the Washington Wizards. He claimed afterward that his choice of footwear was related to the game being played about a mile from President Trump's White House. Lebron stated, "This is a beautiful country and we're never going to let one person dictate how beautiful and how powerful we are." Lebron also mentioned that “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
— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) December 18, 2017
Lebron the man
LeBron was very calculated in his thinking.
Playing in the nation’s Capital in one black shoe and one white shoe that read “Equality,” was definitely bold, but at the same time smart. He was sending a message out and he wanted it to be loud and clear.
LeBron is growing into a very effective voice for equality and social justice. Whether or not Trump will be affected by, or respond to, this stunt, that we are unsure of. It is doubtful that his actions will change, but getting the message across loud and clear is still significant.
Not a Trump fan
Lebron James animosity towards Trump is not something new. James condemned Donald and stood behind Stephen Curry's decision not to attend the White House. This occurred back in August. James tweeted that the president was a "bum" on social media.
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
This goes to show that Lebron is not just a basketball player he is a man with a lot of pride for his people and his nation. Lebron is not the only one that has expressed dissatisfaction for Trump.
Equality is something that many want in life and feel that if it is not granted it is unfair and an injustice. Lebron inevitably wants to strive for greatness and with this branding, he has done just that. It was an awesome vehicle with which to make his statement. At the end of the day, when Donald Trump does something to upset people, the online world continues to lash back at him.
It is evident that his actions on Twitter have not gone his way and he has a bad reputation for insulting others.
Branding
Branding a statement on a shoe is definitely effective. It is unique, motivating, and inspiring. What better way to get a message across during a basketball game, where millions of people will see it. Shoes have that power to carry strong messages, just like Nike and their slogan "Just Do It." People will inevitably look at Lebron differently knowing that he stands strong for his beliefs and values.
