WNBA players have always been at the forefront of using their platforms to bring attention to social issues and other matters off the court. That’s why LeBron James’ decision ahead of this year’s presidential election makes all the sense.

LeBron James has chosen to step down and picked WNBA superstar Nneka Ogwumike to lead his More Than A Vote initiative ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the nonprofit is shifting its focus toward women’s issues and reproductive freedom, which are at the top of the Democratic Party’s agenda.

“Women’s sports have experienced incredible growth over the course of my 13-year career in the WNBA. But over that very same span, I’ve watched legislators chip away at my rights and the rights of every athlete who make these teams and leagues shine,” Ogwumike said in a statement shared by THR. “We cannot stand idly by as women’s freedoms slip away, and that’s why I’m taking a lead through More Than A Vote to educate and prompt action around this issue. ‘We Decide Our Future’ sends a very clear message: no one else should have the power to make decisions over our bodies and our healthcare.”

James spoke on his decision with the New York Times, telling the newspaper via email:

“I started More Than a Vote to give athletes a place to educate themselves and get active authentically to who we are. It’s only right that this election be about women athletes. We’re all following their lead right now and Nneka is the perfect person for this election. I’m excited to support her vision.”

More Than A Vote Continues The Work It Began In 2020

According to its website, More Than An Athlete was founded in 2020 and is a collection of athletes and artists “focused on systemic, targeted voter suppression in the community and have a specific mission: educate, energize, and protect Black voters.”

The organization was very vocal about police brutality following the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd at the hands of police.

Ahead of the 2020 Presidential Election, More Than A Vote worked alongside the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to recruit poll workers and teamed up with professional teams to use arenas as polling locations.

Ogwumike volunteered as a poll worker in 2020.

In addition to these latest moves, More Than A Vote “will partner with Reproductive Freedom for All Foundation to exclusively focus on women’s rights and reproductive freedoms with support from Athletes for Impact.”

Salute.

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