Board approves plan for LeBron James' 'I Promise' school in Akron

The school board in LeBron James' Ohio hometown has approved the plan for a public school being created in partnership with the NBA star's foundation.

The LeBron James Family Foundation says the "I Promise" School in Akron will be geared toward educating students who are at risk of falling behind. It will have longer days and begin classes in the summer - weeks before other district schools - to encourage information retention.

It's scheduled to open next fall for third- and fourth-graders and add more grade levels in future years.

The idea is based on the foundation's existing "I Promise" programs that encourage struggling students to stay in school.

Supporters cheered after the Akron School Board approved the school's plan Monday.

New York-based production company Warrior Poets says it will soon begin filming a documentary series centered on the school in partnership with LeBron James' production company SpringHill Entertainment.

NBA player Zach Randolph to help pay utility bills of those in need.

Memphis Grizzlies Forward, Zach Randolph, announced today that he will be making a $20,000 donation to the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association’s Plus-1 Program.

The program is directed by MIFA to pay utilities services for people in need. His donation will cover the payments of more than 100 Memphis households.

Randolph’s contribution will go straight to the MIFA Emergency Services Plus-1 Program to keep utilities connected for over 100 Memphis families.

He will also be visiting 2 families who will benefit from his gift on Monday, Jan. 23 after a brief check presentation at the Memphis MIFA offices.

This will be the seventh year that Randolph has contributed to MIFA and Memphis Light, Gas and Water.

[SOURCE: WATE.COM]

What's going on with Michael Jordan?

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com EMAIL

In the last couple of weeks something has happened to NBA legend Michael Jordan. In the past, Jordan has been notorious for doing little to help his own while profiting off his own by selling them $200 sneakers that they can't afford. This is a man who for most of his professional life has avoided even talking about issues that affect African Americans. He has not done or said anything that might piss off anyone for fear of hurting sneaker and apparel sales of Nike and his own brand.

But recently things seem to be changing. Jordan has given $1 million to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and another $5 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. That's not the Michael Jordan many of us have always heard about.

What is going on here? I have three theories.

THEORY ONE: An alien has inhabited the body of Michael Jordan and is trying to curry favor among humans before sending for his fleet of starships to blow us all to hell and take our entire species as a food source.

THEORY TWO: As Theory #1 is probably not likely here is my second theory. Mr. Jordan fell asleep and had a dream where three ghosts, the ghost of basketball past, the ghost of money loving present, and the ghost of lonely and despised future came to give him a visit. Jordan woke up terrified after seeing his grave site that no one except Nike employees visits and vowed to mend his selfish ways.

THEORY THREE: This is what I think is the most likely theory. Mr. Jordan has started to realize that he doesn't live in a bubble and is acknowledging what is going on around him. He has seen young NBA players like Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul step up and want to help their communities with just not words but with their actions. Jordan did a self-check after watching those younger players and realized that it's a shame that he didn't carry on the activist legacy of James Brown, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Muhammad Ali. He then realized that he is still a relatively young man, and there is still much that he can do with his fame, voice, and yes his money.

Micheal Jordan may not have come to this point in life when many of us would have liked him to, but it's better late than ever.

DeMarcus Cousins to pay for funeral of slain high school football player

Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins is trying to help the family of a slain high school football player by paying for the funeral, according to a Sacramento city official.

City council member Rick Jennings on Saturday confirmed to multiple media outlets that Cousins, who wanted his gesture to remain anonymous, wanted to take care of the funeral expenses for Jaulon Clavo, a Grant Union High School senior who was reportedly shot in the neck while driving with four other players.

Cousins reportedly has attended Grant Union football games, watching from the sideline, and has made donations to inner-city high school in the past.

The gesture shows another side to Cousins, who made headlines last week after reportedly confronting Kings coach George Karl with a profanity-laced outburst. Cousins, who returned Monday after a four-game injury absence, apologized Wednesday for his actions.

LeBron James, first lady Michelle Obama promote higher education

The First Lady and the world's best basketball player inspired young students Wednesday at the University of Akron. Michelle Obama and the LeBron James Family Foundation hosted an event, stressing secondary education. Watch the two speak at the event below.