LeBron James Passes Leadership of ‘More Than a Vote’ to WNBA Star Nneka Ogwumike

As a fervent advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, I am thrilled to witness the evolution of More Than a Vote under the dynamic leadership of Nneka Ogwumike. Her passion and commitment to this cause are not only inspiring but also reflective of her remarkable 13-year career in the WNBA. It is heartening to see an athlete like Ogwumike, who has experienced firsthand the erosion of women’s rights, take a stand to protect and empower fellow athletes.


More Than a Vote is getting new leadership, and a new focus.

As a passionate gamer and advocate, I’m excited to share that the non-profit initiative I co-founded, focused on voting rights, is shifting its focus towards women’s rights and reproductive freedoms for the 2024 election. I’m proudly passing the leadership torch to another trailblazer in sports, Nneka Ogwumike from the WNBA Seattle Storm. Together, we aim to make a difference and ensure our voices are heard.

More Than a Vote has gathered a group of prominent female athletes to enlighten their audience on the dangers to women’s rights. These athletes comprise basketball players like Cameron Brink, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Lisa Leslie, Jewell Lloyd, Chiney Ogwumike, Kiki Rice, Breanna Stewart, Sheryl Swoopes and A’ja Wilson, as well as soccer player Madison Hammond from the NWSL.

“During my 13-year tenure in the WNBA, I’ve seen women’s sports flourish remarkably. Yet, during the same period, I’ve observed legislators eroding our rights, mine included, as athletes who contribute significantly to these teams and leagues,” Ogwumike expressed in a statement. “We must not be passive spectators as our freedoms dwindle, which is why I’m spearheading efforts through More Than A Vote to raise awareness and encourage action on this critical matter. The slogan ‘We Decide Our Future’ clearly communicates: no one else should have the authority to dictate what happens with our bodies and healthcare.”

In 2020, More Than a Vote was established as a response to a call for action from LeBron James to Black athletes, following the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The organization’s mission encompassed advocating for criminal justice reform, denouncing police brutality, and addressing voter suppression by recruiting poll workers and transforming 10 sports arenas into voting locations. They also collaborated with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in their efforts.

In 2024, the focus for many is women’s rights, so the organization, now headed by Ogwumike, plans to join forces with the Reproductive Freedom for All Foundation. This partnership will be dedicated solely to advocating for women’s rights and reproductive freedoms. Athletes for Impact will also lend their support to this cause.

The organization outlined its new focus in a video Tuesday:

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2024-08-13 18:24