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Rajon Rondo follows LeBron James’ lead in showing support for youth education

By Daniel Stave

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 14: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans makes a call during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 14: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans makes a call during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Rajon Rondo purchased blazers and ties for the 157 boys entering 6th grade at the W.E.B. DuBois Academy in Louisville, KY.

A week after LeBron James opened his new I Promise school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, James’ new Lakers teammate made a big gesture to support youth where he grew up. Rajon Rondo gifted blazers and ties to the entire new 6th grade class at the W.E.B. DuBois Academy in Louisville, KY.

Rondo told wave3.com: “It’s very humbling for me to be a part of this, and when they put these jackets on I hope they know that I’m always there supporting those guys, and if they ever need any little encouragement, I put an insert inside their jacket to let those guys know that everything will be okay and to just keep pushing.”

The insert reads “The process of us becoming the men we want to be takes place in the library, on the practice court and field and in the pen. Do your part every day to become a better man.”

Students were presented blazers and ties at a ceremony Monday evening. The school opens next Wednesday, August 15.

Rondo was born and raised in Louisville, attending Eastern High School until his senior year, when he transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. He played collegiately in Lexington at the University of Kentucky for two years before entering the NBA.

Former Eastern Conference rivals, Rondo joined the Lakers after James made his decision to head west last month.

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James is considered a leader for NBA players on many social issues. The Miami Heat posed for a picture wearing black hoodies after Trayvon Martin was murdered. He wore an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt in warmups after Eric Garner died.

It is encouraging to see an athlete’s influence spread to such worthy causes as education. Derrick Rose also recently announced he will provide $400,000 in scholarship money as part of his Rose Scholars program.

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