Akron native Savannah James, businesswoman, philanthropist, and wife of NBA superstar LeBron James, will christen Goodyear’s newest airship, Wingfoot Two, on Oct. 21 in Suffield Township.
“Savannah’s Akron-born roots and passion for improving the local community made her a natural choice to christen Wingfoot Two,” Goodyear Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Richard J. Kramer said in a news release. “Goodyear has a long-standing tradition of enlisting strong, accomplished women to christen our iconic airships, and we are proud to welcome Savannah to the family.”
James joins a long list of noteworthy women who have christened Goodyear airships going back nearly a century.
Other women include aviator Amelia Earhart in 1929; astronaut Sally Ride in 2000; and the president of International Speedway Corp., Lesa France Kennedy, in 2006. Television journalist Robin Roberts of ABC’s Good Morning America, christened Wingfoot One in 2014.
Goodyear has not yet released the time and other details of the christening ceremony.
“I feel absolutely honored to be a part of this christening,” James said in a statement. “With Goodyear being so much a part of Akron and our foundation always wanting to better our community, I feel like it is a perfect match. Goodyear means so much to our community, and we feel a sense of gratitude to be part of this amazing event.”
James was born and raised in Akron. She met her future husband, LeBron James, while in high school. She is an active volunteer for the LeBron James Family Foundation. In 2013, she began the I PROMise Makeover, an annual event that empowers and inspires young women. James is preparing to launch a mentor program for young women in Akron, beginning with students at her high school alma mater, Buchtel High School.
Wingfoot Two is the second in a new generation of Goodyear airships. The Akron tire maker will build a third high-tech, semi-rigid airship at the Suffield airbase.