Tennis icon Serena Williams has accomplished significantly commendable achievements in her career. Plainly, this makes her worthy of receiving accolades. The American has presented the world with her breathtaking performances. She is one of the most important figures in the sport.
Williams, over the years, has been a subject of the widely recognized GOAT debate. After having affirmed her name in the sporting world, the legend has taken over different career options.
Her fans were devastated after she retired from tennis last year in 2022 and speculated to never cheer her accomplishments again. But, the 41-year-old has successfully flipped the page and was most recently honored with a distinguished award.
Serena Williams was recently honored with the Jackie Robinson Sports Award. She, along with Brittney Griner was decorated with the award at the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California.
Williams was presented with the award owing to her “high achievement in athletics. Along with the pursuit of social justice, civil rights, and community involvement.” Subsequently, the American tennis icon is a known figure in the philanthropy world. She has also been a huge promoter of diversity-led businesses. This has been made possible with the assistance of her venture capitalist company, Serena Ventures.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be amongst some of the greatest names in today’s culture. Celebrating those who promote equity through creative endeavors. Together, we are a team of trailblazers, and we represent what is possible. When you truly believe in yourself, and your potential, and follow your life and passion,” said Williams during her award acceptance speech.
Brittney Griner gives a gripping award-acceptance speech
Brittney Griner also made an incredibly moving speech after she was honored with the award by the show’s host, Queen Latifa. “I want to thank everyone. Let’s fight to bring home every American detained overseas,” spoke Griner in connection to her being recently released from a Russian prison.
That moment when Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle Griner took the stage at the 54th #NAACPImageAwards to roaring applause.👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/lDkqHWokrR
— NAACP (@NAACP) February 26, 2023
The basketball player was imprisoned in Russia from February to December 2022 after a negligible amount of cannabis was found in the vape cartridges she was carrying in the country. She was freed from the prison cell in December 2022 via a prisoner exchange.
Serena Williams stayed mum on Brittney Griner’s prisoner exchange topic
Serena Williams, despite sharing the NAAPC awards stage with Brittney Griner remained silent on the much-anticipated topic. The ‘King of WTA’ neither advocated in her support nor issued any derogatory statements concerning the subject.
The exact reason behind this is still yet unknown. But by the looks of it, the potential reason why Williams chose not to address the topic could be so that she avoids getting heat over any misinterpretation of her issued statement.
Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian is also a philanthropist
American internet personality and acclaimed tennis professional Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian, is also a known agent in the philanthropy world. In 2020, Ohanian resigned from his seat at Reddit to solidify his support for Black Lives Matter.
We’re making huge process here. Another bright day for the future of space travel. Let’s go humanity! https://t.co/Gjrg5vTnym
— Alexis Ohanian 🧠 (@alexisohanian) April 27, 2023
The Reddit co-founder also donated $1 million to the Know Your Rights Camp. Furthermore, as a part of his resignation request, he pleaded with the board of directors to fill his vacancy with a black candidate.