The basketball superstar says the Democrat will help improve the lot of poorer children ‘no matter what zip code they live in’

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

LeBron James has made an emotionally charged endorsement of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, saying she was the only candidate who understood the struggles of disadvantaged Americans.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star, who set up a foundation to help poor children in his home city of Akron, said the Democratic candidate would fight to improve schools and healthcare for the less well-off.

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In an article for the Akron Beacon Journal, James spoke about his tough upbringing in a single-parent family in the industrial city and wanted to give hope to children in the same position.

“I don’t want to see any of them fall through the cracks. That easily could have happened to me,” he said, noting that not every child could rely on athletic gifts to escape poverty.

“When I look at this year’s presidential race, it’s clear which candidate believes the same thing,” he writes. “Only one person running truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty. And when I think about the kinds of policies and ideas the kids in my foundation need from our government, the choice is clear.

“That candidate is Hillary Clinton.”

James, one of the best known sports stars in America, is the latest high-profile celebrity endorsement for Clinton and he joins Katy Perry, Bruce Springsteen and George Clooney, among others. Donald Trump has received backing from Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson, singer Azealia Banks and former NBA star Dennis Rodman.

James, 31, said Clinton would build on the legacy of “my good friend Barack Obama”, he said, adding that “we need a president who understands our community”.

“Like my foundation, Hillary has always been a champion for children and their futures. For over 40 years, she’s been working to improve public schools, expand access to health care, support children’s hospitals, and so much more.

“She wants to make sure kids have access to a good education, no matter what zip code they live in. She’ll rebuild schools that are falling apart and put more money into computer science. She’ll make sure teachers are paid what they deserve so they can give everything to their students.

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James, who returned to his home state to help win the NBA championship for the Cavaliers this season, has not been afraid to speak out about politics and race.

At this year’s ESPY awards, he called for more urgency to tackle the scourge of gun violence in inner cities and he has also expressed sympathy for the national anthem protests led by the black NFL player Colin Kaepernick.

James does not mention Trump, but in pleading for action to stem gun violence he does take a veiled swipe at the Republican’s divisive rhetoric.

“I am not a politician, I don’t know everything it will take finally to end the violence. But I do know we need a president who brings us together and keeps us unified. Policies and ideas that divide us more are not the solution. We must all stand together — no matter where we are from or the color of our skin. And Hillary is running on the message of hope and unity that we need.”

Hillary Clinton is visiting Akron on Monday where she will attend a voter registration event at Goodyear Hall.

• This article was amended on 4 October 2016 to correct the name of the Akron Beacon Journal.