Akron Teacher Sends LeBron And His Family A Message Of Powerful Words

BATH, OH -- Love trumps hate. That was the message Jennifer Pennington of Copley was sending to LeBron James the day James’ Los Angeles-area home was vandalized with a racial slur. “My heart broke when I saw the N-word posted on (his gate in Los Angeles),” Pennington told ESPN in a phone interview on Sunday. “Because that shouldn’t be a word to describe anybody,” said Pennington.

Pennington, an English and language arts teacher for Akron Public Schools, wanted to replace the negative with positive. Pennington created signs with the words “Hero,” “Role Model,” “Mentor,” “Humanitarian,” “Leader,” and “Good Samaritan” written in big bold letters for James and his family to see. "It just seemed like the right thing to do to combat the evil, combat the hate in the world," Pennington told ESPN. "The first thing that came to mind was, 'Hero.'

“So often in the news, I see stuff and I don't know what I can do about it. This was different -- I could do something about it." Pennington made her signs with her daughter and made the short drive to James’ residence hoping he would see that there is good in his own community.

After a quick review from the security guard, Pennington was allowed to place the signs across the street from James’ driveway. "So he looked at them and said, 'Nobody should have a problem with those.'"

Penningtons’ family is no stranger to James. Pennington’s mother Edie Bowers, was his kindergarten teacher and in 2016, Pennington taught at a summer camp sponsored by the LeBron James Family Foundation.

"I think LeBron is an inspiration to people," Pennington said. “I have a new baby girl; if my baby girl has the same characteristics and qualities that LeBron does, then I'll be a happy mom that I raised someone good."

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Pennington