“She is the quintessential example of Black excellence,” Serena Williams joins the illustrious list of athletes to be honored with NAACP Image Awards
Serena Williams to be awarded by NAACP for her commitment to social issues in tennis
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At this weekend’s NAACP Image Awards, Serena Williams will receive recognition for her tennis achievements, commercial success, and community service. The American will be awarded the Jackie Robinson Sports award. The honor is given to athletes who have excelled in athletics while also pursuing social justice and civil rights.
NAACP is a US-based organization aiming at the upliftment of Afro-Americans. Past winners include Wilma Rudolph, the Harlem Globetrotters, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Stephen Curry. Serena will be the 54th recipient of the major sports award, for her impactful legacy.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson praised the tennis star for her achievements. He termed Williams as the “quintessential example of Black excellence”. “From her record-breaking wins on the tennis court to her business acumen to her philanthropic endeavors, she has set the bar for athletes everywhere,” said Johnson.
Serena Williams and Venus to produce a documentary on women’s soccer
Serena has had a record-breaking 25-year career, with countless accomplishments under her belt. Serena first attained the WTA World No. 1 ranking when she was 20 years old in 2002. She amassed 73 singles victories on the WTA Tour. Williams’ epic career came to an end last year at the 2022 US Open. Other than tennis, Williams was a producer for King Richard, a biopic on her father Richard Williams.
A documentary about the first-ever women’s soccer World Cup, COPA 71, is currently in production. Serena and Venus Williams, Will Smith, his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and Westbrook Studios will all serve as executive producers. “It was one of the most important and significant moments in women’s sport,” said Serena.
“It’s a thrill to be able to help these women have a voice,” Venus added. The documentary, entitled COPA 71, recounts the first women’s soccer tournament in history, which was played in Guadalajara and Mexico City. The sisters have previously produced their own biopic, King Richard, which earned Will Smith an Oscar.
She is also the owner of a fashion brand and a children’s book author. Highly regarded as one of the best players of all time, she has won seven Wimbledon singles championships and 23 Grand Slam singles titles. The NAACP Image awards ceremony will air live on BET on Saturday.
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Tanisha Mohanty
(172 Articles Published)