The Jackie Robinson Sports Award is given to athletes for their outstanding performance on the field of play as well as their efforts to advance social justice, civil rights, and community involvement.
Day 28 of Black History Month
Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, was presented with the esteemed Jackie Robinson Sports Award at the 54th NAACP Image Awards. Serena thanked the NAACP for everything that it has done to preserve and promote Black culture after receiving her award from friend and fellow athlete Kerry Washington.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be amongst some of the greatest names in today’s culture, celebrating those who promote equity through creative endeavors, and this event continues to acknowledge the contributions of those who’ve pursued their craft in television and film, and music and literature, and so much more,” the iconic athlete said after receiving her award.
PHOTO BY JOHNNY NUNEZ/GETTY IMAGES FOR BET
Williams is one of the most well-known figures in the world because to her accomplishments on the tennis court as well as her success off it in business, philanthropy, and fashion. Williams worked as an executive producer on the biopic about her family, King Richard, which was nominated for an Oscar in November 2021. With an emphasis on diverse leadership, Serena Ventures established its venture capital fund in March 2022 and presently manages a portfolio of over 60 startups.
S by Serena promotes female empowerment and body positivity. The publication of Williams’ children’s book The Adventures of Qai Qai marked her debut as an author. Williams said in December 2022 that she has partnered with two CPG industry veterans to introduce Will Perform, a range of clean, animal-free topical pain treatment and daily muscle care products created to rethink rehabilitation.
S by Serena Clothing Brand (SbySerena.com)
The Jackie Robinson Sports Award is given to athletes for their outstanding performance on the field of play as well as their efforts to advance social justice, civil rights, and community involvement. Previous winners have included Steph Curry, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilma Rudolph, and the Harlem Globetrotters, among others.
“Serena Williams is the quintessential example of Black excellence,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “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. We are proud to honor and celebrate her with this year’s Jackie Robinson Sports Award.”
– Steve Sijenyi
LIT604.com Is celebrating Black history month by publishing Positive news on Black people across Canada and United States throughout the month of February. Lit604 Founder Steve-Safari Sijenyi is producing and releasing a YouTube video everyday at 7pm PT that showcases Black people who embodied the spirit of Black Excellence, black-led Led Enterprises, Black-run organizations, Black allies and Pro-Black Organizations and Leaders from the public and private sector.
