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Making (black) history seemingly on a daily basis at this point, LeBron James adds another chapter to his ever expanding legacy through a budding union with the epicenter for black culture — the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Opened in September 2016 in the nation’s capital, the museum serves to exclusively document African American life, history and culture. This, of course, includes sports and its larger than life figures. LeBron James, and his extremely limited edition Nike LeBron 15 “Equality” PE, is one of the museum’s latest additions.
Worn by James in a game against the Washington Wizards in December 2017, during the height of racial tensions in America and the militarization of the police force largely targeting blacks, the mismatched “Equality” shoe was auctioned off by Nike in February, bringing in a total of $457,780 from a limited run of 400 pairs. Proceeds were donated to the Smithsonian.
The announcement of the shoes’ placement in the museum took place this week in front of 59 students from all over the U.S. The kids took part in a two-day experience that included a tour of the museum and ribbon-cutting ceremony. James, due to the opening of his highly touted I Promise school, was not able to attend. He did, however, film a short video expressing his appreciation for to the museum and traveling students.
In the video, James impressed upon the students to take pictures with the shoes before they’re transferred into storage before being presented during a fall exhibit.
