Black women have made their mark in the world of sports both on the field of play and in the boardroom. But over the last few years, their success, presence, accomplishments and influence have increased significantly.
We applauded athletes at the Summer Games like Tamyra Mensah-Stock, who became the first Black woman in U.S. history to win Olympic Gold in wrestling, and Raven Saunders, a silver medalist in the shot put and a powerful force in the fight for inclusivity.
We cheered leaders like Allyson Felix, who became the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete in Olympic history, fought for her life during childbirth, successfully challenged Nike, became an advocate for maternal health and launched her own company.
Then this past February, we witnessed history when superstar agent Nicole Lynn became the first Black woman to represent an NFL quarterback in the Super Bowl.
These represent just a tiny fraction of the Black women blazing paths, opening doors and garnering success in an industry normally dominated by men.
Now they, and others, will all have a special day to be honored.
Starting tomorrow, Friday, July 7th, Diverse Representation, an organization dedicated to increasing the hiring and exposure of Black agents, attorneys, managers, publicists and financial advisors who work in the sports and entertainment industries, will officially launch the inaugural National Black Women In Sports Day.
According to the press release, the day was created to “not only celebrate the accomplishments of Black women in all facets of the sports industry but also increase awareness and demonstrate the power of diverse representation.”
Diverse Representation will celebrate the annual day of recognizing Black women in sports by launching a new website, www.blackwomeninsports.com.
The site will be a resource hub for those interested in supporting Black women in sports and feature numerous podcasts, organizations, books, and apparel lines spearheaded by Black women in the sports industry.
“While there are several resources dedicated to women in the sports industry, there are few resources dedicated specifically to Black women in the sports industry and there are unique challenges and adversities that Black women face that still aren’t being addressed,” said Jaia Thomas, Esq., founder and chief executive officer of Diverse Representation. “Our goal with National Black Women In Sports Day is to spotlight the individuals, organizations, and companies paving the way for greater gender and racial equality in the world of sports.”
One of the organizations is sports marketing and talent management company Wasserman, which represents major sports figures across the world. One of their clients is Brittney Griner, who returned home last December after enduring a horrific and unlawful ten-month imprisonment in Russia.
“As athletes, Black women continue to stand at the forefront of social justice advocacy, using their voices and platforms for change. As coaches, media personalities and other executives, Black women are setting an example for Black girls and proving that we too belong at the top, which is why this special new day of recognition is so important,” said Alanna Frisby Hernandez, Executive Vice President, Business Affairs & Operations, Team Sports at Wasserman.
It’s an important day for not only the Black women currently driving success and change in sports, but also for those who will be following behind.
So starting Friday, and every July 7th going forward, Black women in sports will have an extra special day to be celebrated.
