LeBron James sent a message during an NBA game in the nation's capital with his shoes—one black, one white, with the word "equality" in gold letters on the back of each.
James wore the shoes during the Cleveland Cavaliers' 106-99 win over the Washington Wizards about a mile away from the White House, before speaking about President Donald Trump after the victory, the Associated Press reported.
"This is a beautiful country and we're never going to let one person dictate how beautiful and how powerful we are," James said. "Obviously, we know where we are right now. And we know who's at the helm here."
LeBron James wore 'Equality" shoes in #AllForOne W at #DCFamily. After the game he explained what Equality means: 'we’ll never let one person dictate how beautiful and powerful we are as people". Full quotes here #NBA pic.twitter.com/QR0e7AmUvJ
— Davide Chinellato (@dchinellato) December 18, 2017
The four-time NBA MVP also talked about the importance of equality.
"I've been … very outspoken and well-spoken about the situation that's going on at the helm here," James said. "Equality is all about understanding our rights, understanding what we stand for and how powerful we are as men and as women, black or white or Hispanic. It doesn't matter your race."
During the Cavaliers' first regular-season game this season, James sported a pair of black sneakers with the "equality" message on the back. This was the first time he decided on one white and one black shoe.
On Sunday, James changed out of his black and white shoes at halftime into a neutral pair.
"I didn't play well in the first half, and I'm very superstitious, so I took 'em off," James said. "I didn't play well in the second half either, so if there were a third half, I would have took those off."
Fox Sports' "Speak for Yourself" shared video of the shoes in action: