LeBron James once raged against the machine. Increasingly, he helps prop it up
Summary
LeBron James and Will Smith recently visited Angola to support an electric raceboat series and promote tourism linked to African heritage. While their visits highlight Angola’s history and ties to the African diaspora, Angola’s government, led by President João Lourenço, has been increasing its control over civil society and limiting protests and media freedom.Key Facts
- LeBron James and Will Smith traveled to Angola to attend the E1 World Championship, a celebrity-backed electric raceboat event.
- Angola’s president, João Lourenço, discussed promoting tourism, cinema, and basketball with the two celebrities.
- Angola is developing roots tourism, aiming to connect with African Americans through the country’s history linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
- James visited the National Museum of Slavery in Angola to raise global awareness of this history.
- Lourenço’s government recently passed laws that increase monitoring and restrictions on civil society groups and media.
- Angola has criminalized peaceful protests with harsh penalties and expanded government control over information.
- The government continues investing in sports and entertainment to build influence abroad, with help from celebrity visits.
- Critics note that while the celebrities’ involvement supports cultural ties, it also gives soft power to a government limiting freedoms.
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