Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, will receive $2.5 million from LeBron James’s Family Foundation and business partner, Maverick Carter, to fund a new Muhammad Ali exhibit.

Muhammad Ali was an inspiration to me as a sportsman, James says in a recent interview with USA Today, “I think about him every day.” This inspiration stems from Ali’s character and the values he upheld both inside and outside the ring, as a champion and as a public figure. I doubt we would be having this conversation right now if he hadn’t been so dedicated to our shared values, ambitions, and purpose.

In spite of being named one of the most despised sportsmen in the world due to his behavior during his 2010 free agency, James has achieved a remarkable reputational recovery in the last several years. Regardless of one’s opinion of his political membership, it cannot be denied that he is an enthusiastic advocate for both his town and nation.

Akron, Ohio, has partnered with the LeBron James Family Foundation to promote the value of education and generate funds and supplies for more than ten years.

James began the LJFF with an annual bike giveaway in its early years. It quickly developed into Wheels for Education, a program in his hometown that helps young children stay on track to get their high school graduation.

Not long ago, he made sure that, after fulfilling academic and community service criteria, students in his program will get a full four-year scholarship to the University of Akron.

James took his share of heat, but there’s no denying that he never forgot his roots, not even when playing for the Miami Heat. Among his many child-serving national organizations are the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and OneXOne, both of which he actively supports. His charitable choices reveal his genuine character, even though that decision damaged his reputation.

The museum’s founding director, Lonnie Bunch, emphasized the museum’s impact on young minds in reaction to the substantial donation. Mr. James’s gestures like these should inspire younger sportsmen and the well-off to see the significance of giving and paying tribute to the past, according to Bunch.

Much of the discourse surrounding LeBron James’s legacy is around his accomplishments while playing basketball. What many don’t understand is that he values his off-court accomplishments as much, if not more, than his athletic ones.

He has made good use of his fame to advocate for change in his hometown, which is in dire need of improvement like any other city. James is making a difference in his hometown by keeping families from becoming statistics, and he is inspiring youth all across the globe to pursue their passions, remain enrolled in school, and never give up on the fight for social justice.