A’ja Wilson: Dominating the Court, Elevating the Future, and Empowering the Next Generation
The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman
The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.—Malcolm X
If this statement holds true for the average Black woman in America, imagine how much more amplified it is when you are the absolute best at your craft.
The level of scrutiny faced by those who exceed expectations of greatness often seems unfair. But as A’ja Wilson continues to prove, the greats are built for it.
This entire article could focus solely on Wilson’s incredible accolades: Back-to-back WNBA champion. 2023 WNBA Finals MVP. Gold medalist at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. Gold medalist at the 2018 and 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup. 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic MVP. And that doesn’t even include her dominance at the University of South Carolina under the legendary Coach Dawn Staley.
Despite her accolades, intelligence, and undeniable star power, the WNBA has often shied away from uplifting Wilson as the face of the league. Instead, the focus has largely shifted toward young white talent like Caitlin Clark—a phenomenal player but still years away from reaching Wilson’s level of dominance.
One can only imagine the mental toll that must take. Perhaps that is why Wilson advocates for social justice and champions mental health awareness, particularly for Black women.
Last year, Wilson released her memoir, Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You. Drawing from her own life experiences, including her struggles with dyslexia, panic attacks, self-doubt, and anxiety, Wilson emphasizes the importance of pushing through adversity, embracing self-love, and never giving up in pursuit of one’s dreams.
With this in mind, Wilson founded the A’Ja Wilson Foundation (AWF) alongside her parents, Roscoe and Eva Wilson. The foundation provides resources, educational programs, workshops, and camps to support children and families affected by dyslexia, empowering them to reach their full potential. Additionally, AWF fosters a culture of compassion and inclusivity by mentoring students to prevent bullying and encouraging them to uplift and support their peers.
Wilson believes individuals with learning disabilities can succeed with the right resources and opportunities. “Your challenges don’t define you—your determination does. Embrace your journey, and show the world what’s possible,” she said.
In November, AWF brought young women together for the Unapologetic Girls Summit, where they participated in workshops, attended seminars, and heard directly from Wilson. The program has also allowed participants to travel, attend games, and participate in enriching experiences. While these outings are fun, they also leave a lasting impact, showing young women that anything is truly possible.
The upcoming WNBA season will bring its share of highs and lows for Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. Will she add another title to her resume? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: A’ja Wilson’s impact on and off the court will resonate for generations to come.
