The World Shoe and Sion James Set New Standard for Athlete Activism

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New York, October 2025 — Under the bright lights of the NBPA Headquarters during the One Court Africa Reception, hosted by the NBPA Foundation, The World Shoe, and the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the evening featured presidents, First Ladies, philanthropists, and established NBA stars. Yet one of the most memorable voices belonged to someone just beginning his professional journey: Sion James of the Charlotte Hornets.

In conversation with Monica Guy, Lead UN Correspondent for The Voice of Africa (TVOA), James made it clear he is not just another rookie focused on stats and contracts. He is already shaping a legacy rooted in service, impact, and global vision.

A Rookie with Perspective Beyond His Years

When asked what inspired him to support World Shoe, James spoke with conviction.

“Really, a lot of it started with the early days when I met Manny [Ohonme], the owner of World Shoe,” he explained. “He showed me about service — about how we can serve not just here in the U.S. but all around the world. World Shoe has been a great example of that for me.”

While most first-year players concentrate on proving themselves on the court, James is already investing in initiatives that will outlast his basketball career.

The Road Signs That Led to Purpose

James traced his passion for service to two defining moments.

The first came at Tulane University, where he and his teammate Sandy Ryan began serving the homeless every weekend. “At the time it was small, just our way of giving back,” he recalled. “But it grew into something more.”

The second was a service trip to Costa Rica with his Tulane basketball team, where he first encountered Manny Ohonme and Samaritan’s Feet.

“That was my first opportunity to use my platform to really serve others. Looking back now, it was life-changing.”

Those experiences, James said, convinced him that basketball and service are not separate pursuits but deeply interconnected.

Redefining What It Means to Be a Pro Athlete

James was clear about the career he wants to build.

“Of course, I want to play really well on the court. I want to win championships. But there’s another opportunity alongside playing. I want my career to also be defined by the impact I make off the court.”

He also issued a call to his peers: “I definitely think players all over the league, and people with platforms all over the country, should get involved. Many of them have even bigger platforms than I do and can have an even greater impact. That’s what excites me — seeing how we can all play a role.”

Why World Shoe Resonates

For James, World Shoe represents the kind of enterprise that bridges his twin passions for business and service.

“I’ve always grown up with both a business mind and a desire to serve people,” he explained. “World Shoe shows how you can do both — create something that fuels jobs and production while also impacting communities around the world. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m representing World Shoe.”

Why His Donation Matters

James’ presence at the One Court Africa Reception wasn’t just symbolic — it was catalytic. He personally contributed $30,000 through the Sion James Foundation. Paired with $25,000 from the Young Agbaji Foundation and $30,000 from the NBPA Foundation, the NBPA pledged to match the donations, bringing the total raised to $80,000.

This funding will go toward distributing World Shoes to youth across Africa through Wash and Wear initiatives planned with OAFLAD.

His decision to give boldly at the very start of his NBA career set a powerful example for rookies and veterans alike: leadership doesn’t have to wait until you’re established.

The Call to Everyone Else

James also emphasized that anyone — not just athletes — can make an impact.

“The biggest thing is just doing it on the scale that makes sense for you,” he said. “For me, early on, it wasn’t showing up at the Players Association. It was just serving the people around me — giving a meal, sharing whatever I had. It’s not about the size of the gesture. It’s about the gesture itself.”

It’s a call that dismantles excuses and places responsibility in everyone’s hands.

A Legacy Already Taking Shape

At just the start of his professional career, James is already positioning himself as a new model of athlete activism.

“That’s what I want my career to be defined by,” he said. “Not just the championships I win, but the difference I made while I played.”

In a league where players often take years to find their voice off the court, James has already discovered his. And if his rookie season is any indication, the NBA — and the world — is about to witness a new standard of what it means to be a champion.