Breathe a deep sigh of relief, Clevelanders. The iconic 10-story-tall LeBron James banner at the Sherwin-Williams headquarters across from Quicken Loans Arena is staying put.
After news surfaced recently of Sherwin-Williams' plans to remove the banner of Cleveland's most beloved superstar for a seperate banner celebrating the company's 150th anniversary, over 23,000 loyal fans came together to sign an online petition, noting that the James banner "is a symbol of persistence, promise and pride in the Cleveland Cavaliers and northeast Ohio" and that removing it "will be a travesty" to the city.
Being so — Sherwin-Williams decided it would be in the company's best interest to leave James' likeness alone.
“For 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been proud to call Cleveland our home, and we’re committed to doing the right thing for the people of this great city," John Morikis, president and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Company said in a statement. “For the last year, we’ve been planning to hang a celebratory banner outside our building during the summer months. But what better way to celebrate our 150th year than with a NBA championship. As a long-time supporter of the Cavs, and the entire community, we want the energy and excitement in this city to continue."
Crisis averted.
Not only is Sherwin-Williams keeping the banner in place, but — to honor its 150th anniversary and the Cavaliers' first championship in franchise history — the company is going to to donate $150,000 to the LeBron James Family Foundation.
“We are so grateful to the Sherwin-Williams Company for their continued generosity to the Akron and Cleveland communities, and would like to congratulate them on their 150-year milestone," Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation said in a statement. “This contribution to our kids will go a long way in helping us provide the resources and interventions necessary to keep our students in school and on the path to a college education."
Note to self: Leave any and all LeBron-related keepsakes alone.
Follow AJ Neuharth-Keusch on Twitter @tweetAJNK
