President Obama provided an even more focused plan that influenced the election!
The players, coaches, and NBA team owners took the time to set up a plan to work jointly toward increasing access to voting. LeBron James had already been working with “More Than a Vote” to accomplish some of those goals.
More Than a Vote wanted to accomplish these things during the campaign.
- Enlisting athletes and entertainers to promote voting and much needed awareness that was not evident in 2016.
- Offers of discounted Lyft rides to the polls.
- The recruiting of poll workers, registered voters to stop the suppression of Black voter turnout.
With Barack Obama providing his experience and wisdom, the exposure went into overdrive.
“The idea that you would just stop and give up is something that would be a betrayal to our ancestors.” @BarackObama tells @KingJames why it's our obligation to continue the fight for equality #TheShopHBO @hbomax pic.twitter.com/OaNFnVUkgb
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) October 31, 2020
The short-term effects was with the players themselves. It was noted that a very small percentage of the players were even registered to vote. The first step was to get them registered. It went from less than 20 percent to over 90 percent by the end of the season.
The long-term effects provided excitement in places such as Atlanta, Detroit and Philadelphia, where high Black turnout increased much more than the turnout back in 2016. All told, Joe Biden collected the highest amount of votes in a presidential election ever with over 78 million votes (There will probably be more because some votes are still being counted).
LeBron James creates change.
In closing, LeBron James wanted to use his platform for change, something athletes say in interviews but rarely put in action.
"Hopefully 50 years down the line, my grandkids … can say that their Papa was in a moment where they seen change."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 31, 2020
LeBron on continuing to fight for social justice for the next generation
(via @uninterrupted)pic.twitter.com/rU5In7kBsm
Donald Trump built his campaign partly off of Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling for the National Anthem in response for police brutality. The message got hijacked and the narrative was changed. Four years later, the strategy was changed with constant voices getting the message out.
In less than two months, two Senate seats are up for grabs that will influence how this country goes forward. What will happen? Who knows until every vote is counted.
But if the energy of the Presidential election continues, this country can relive the momentum and feeling watching Mr. Obama going viral with this shot.
Now you just showing out now my friend!! That’s what you do huh?? Ok ok I see. All cash! 👌🏾 https://t.co/8pZzXLJIJj
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 31, 2020
Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers will be in the White House to celebrate their championship. Maybe then LeBron James and Mr. Obama can just talk about basketball for a little while.