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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Allyson Felix is more than just the most decorated American track and field athlete of all time—she’s a symbol of resilience, strength, and advocacy. With seven Olympic gold medals and an incredible 13 world championship titles, Felix dominated the track for nearly two decades before her retirement in 2022. 

Felix won her first world title in Helsinki in 2002 and her first individual gold medal in 2012 at the Olympics in London. She closed out her career in 2022 by competing in the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and earned her most prestigious title as the greatest World Champion of all time.

Felix won her first world title in Helsinki in 2002 and her first individual gold medal in 2012 at the Olympics in London. She closed out her career in 2022 by competing in the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and earned her most prestigious title as the greatest World Champion of all time.

Beyond her legendary speed and endurance, Felix has also become a powerful voice for mental health awareness, especially for women and athletes balancing personal, physical, and professional challenges, something that she personally struggled with.

Beyond her legendary speed and endurance, Felix has also become a powerful voice for mental health awareness, especially for women and athletes balancing personal, physical, and professional challenges, something that she personally struggled with.

After a decade of success, Felix entered a new and natural chapter in her life — motherhood. What should have been a beautiful experience resulted in one of her toughest battles off the track—pregnancy discrimination from her former sponsor, Nike. 

After a decade of success, Felix entered a new and natural chapter in her life — motherhood. What should have been a beautiful experience resulted in one of her toughest battles off the track—pregnancy discrimination from her former sponsor, Nike. 

At the peak of her career, Felix had to pivot and began fighting for the rights of female athletes who wanted to compete and have families. Instead of staying silent, she spoke out, forcing a global conversation about maternity protections in sports. Her boldness led to policy changes that now support female athletes during and after pregnancy.

At the peak of her career, Felix had to pivot and began fighting for the rights of female athletes who wanted to compete and have families. Instead of staying silent, she spoke out, forcing a global conversation about maternity protections in sports. Her boldness led to policy changes that now support female athletes during and after pregnancy.

Her fight was not just about corporate accountability; it also highlighted the immense mental and emotional stress women face when balancing their careers with motherhood. Felix’s transparency about her struggles helped break the stigma surrounding mental health in high-performance sports.

Her fight was not just about corporate accountability; it also highlighted the immense mental and emotional stress women face when balancing their careers with motherhood. Felix’s transparency about her struggles helped break the stigma surrounding mental health in high-performance sports.

The pressure to perform at the highest level, often under intense scrutiny, can take a major toll on the mental well-being of any athlete. Choosing between professional success and motherhood elevates that stress and often leaves athletes feeling isolated.

The pressure to perform at the highest level, often under intense scrutiny, can take a major toll on the mental well-being of any athlete. Choosing between professional success and motherhood elevates that stress and often leaves athletes feeling isolated.

Felix has been open about the challenges she faced, from the anxiety of returning to competition after childbirth to the mental exhaustion that comes with maintaining peak performance.

Felix has been open about the challenges she faced, from the anxiety of returning to competition after childbirth to the mental exhaustion that comes with maintaining peak performance.

She has used her platform to encourage other athletes to prioritize their mental health, advocating for self-care, therapy, and open conversations about emotional well-being. By sharing her own experiences, Felix has helped normalize the struggles that many, especially women of color, face but are often expected to endure in silence.

She has used her platform to encourage other athletes to prioritize their mental health, advocating for self-care, therapy, and open conversations about emotional well-being. By sharing her own experiences, Felix has helped normalize the struggles that many, especially women of color, face but are often expected to endure in silence.

In 2022, she launched her own brand, Saysh, a women-focused footwear company that prioritizes female athletes’ needs. The move wasn’t just about business—it was about empowerment, providing women with opportunities in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

In 2022, she launched her own brand, Saysh, a women-focused footwear company that prioritizes female athletes’ needs. The move wasn’t just about business—it was about empowerment, providing women with opportunities in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

She has also worked with organizations focusing on mental health in sports, mentoring young athletes, and using her platform to promote wellness initiatives. Through her advocacy, Felix ensures that the next generation of athletes understands that success isn’t just about winning medals—it’s also about maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

She has also worked with organizations focusing on mental health in sports, mentoring young athletes, and using her platform to promote wellness initiatives. Through her advocacy, Felix ensures that the next generation of athletes understands that success isn’t just about winning medals—it’s also about maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Allyson Felix has redefined what it means to be a champion. She’s not just one of the fastest women on the track—she’s a leader in the fight for athlete rights, gender equality, and mental health awareness. As she transitions from competition to advocacy, her impact continues to grow, proving that true greatness isn’t measured in the number of gold medals but in the lives she inspires along the way.

Allyson Felix has redefined what it means to be a champion. She’s not just one of the fastest women on the track—she’s a leader in the fight for athlete rights, gender equality, and mental health awareness. As she transitions from competition to advocacy, her impact continues to grow, proving that true greatness isn’t measured in the number of gold medals but in the lives she inspires along the way.

A year before Jackie Robinson shattered baseball’s color barrier in 1947, four Black athletes broke down a similar wall in professional football.

That accolade goes to Marion Motley, Woody Strode, Kenny Washington, and Bill Willis—known as the “Forgotten Four”—who reintegrated pro football in 1946 after a racist ban had kept Black players out of the league since the early 1930s. In 2022, they were posthumously honored with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Ralph Hay Pioneer Award, a long-overdue recognition of their contributions to the game.

That accolade goes to Marion Motley, Woody Strode, Kenny Washington, and Bill Willis—known as the “Forgotten Four”—who reintegrated pro football in 1946 after a racist ban had kept Black players out of the league since the early 1930s. In 2022, they were posthumously honored with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Ralph Hay Pioneer Award, a long-overdue recognition of their contributions to the game.

But while these men endured the struggle on the field, the battle for their right to play was mainly fought off the field by a journalist—one courageous enough to challenge the system and force change.

But while these men endured the struggle on the field, the battle for their right to play was mainly fought off the field by a journalist—one courageous enough to challenge the system and force change.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: journalists have a responsibility to deliver the truth accurately and fairly. More than that, we have a duty to use our voices to fight for justice, challenge systemic barriers, and push society forward. That is exactly what happened in 1946 when a Black journalist took a stand and helped reshape the future of professional football.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: journalists have a responsibility to deliver the truth accurately and fairly. More than that, we have a duty to use our voices to fight for justice, challenge systemic barriers, and push society forward. That is exactly what happened in 1946 when a Black journalist took a stand and helped reshape the future of professional football.

During their college prime, Washington and Strode were legends in Los Angeles. As teammates at UCLA, they had electrified the football field alongside another future icon, Jackie Robinson. 

During their college prime, Washington and Strode were legends in Los Angeles. As teammates at UCLA, they had electrified the football field alongside another future icon, Jackie Robinson. 

Washington, a dominant force in college football, shattered records, played nearly every minute of every game, and became UCLA’s first consensus All-American. Despite their talent, neither Washington nor Strode was drafted into the NFL—because, by 1933, the league had quietly imposed a racial ban, barring Black players from competing.

Washington, a dominant force in college football, shattered records, played nearly every minute of every game, and became UCLA’s first consensus All-American. Despite their talent, neither Washington nor Strode was drafted into the NFL—because, by 1933, the league had quietly imposed a racial ban, barring Black players from competing.

That didn’t stop their determination to play the game they loved. Both Washington and Strode had very successful Simi-pro careers in the Pacific Coast Professional Football League. 

That didn’t stop their determination to play the game they loved. Both Washington and Strode had very successful Simi-pro careers in the Pacific Coast Professional Football League. 

Washington’s standout performance on the field made him a fan favorite. He earned one of the highest salaries in the game, proving he was still one of the best players in the country. 

Washington’s standout performance on the field made him a fan favorite. He earned one of the highest salaries in the game, proving he was still one of the best players in the country. 

Despite Washington’s undeniable talent, the doors to the NFL remained shut. That was until 1946 when the Rams decided to begin their Pros-in different area codes tour. 

Despite Washington’s undeniable talent, the doors to the NFL remained shut. That was until 1946 when the Rams decided to begin their Pros-in different area codes tour. 

The Rams are one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, founded in 1937 in Cleveland. After failing to have a winning record during their first three seasons, owner Dan Reeves decided to move out west to Los Angeles.

The Rams are one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, founded in 1937 in Cleveland. After failing to have a winning record during their first three seasons, owner Dan Reeves decided to move out west to Los Angeles.

During negotiations, the Rams proposed playing in the publicly funded Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which was in a predominantly Black neighborhood and funded by Black tax payers. 

During negotiations, the Rams proposed playing in the publicly funded Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which was in a predominantly Black neighborhood and funded by Black tax payers. 

The audacity of having a sector of the public pay for a team to play in a coliseum didn’t sit well with the community, specifically a group of Black L.A. sportswriters led by Halley Harding.

The audacity of having a sector of the public pay for a team to play in a coliseum didn’t sit well with the community, specifically a group of Black L.A. sportswriters led by Halley Harding.

Yes, Harding wrote articles detailing the hypocrisy of the situation, but he didn’t stop there. Harding stood before the L.A. Coliseum Commission and argued that allowing a segregated team to play in a publicly funded stadium was an affront to the Black taxpayers who helped support it. He exposed the NFL’s unspoken racial ban, highlighted the hypocrisy of sending Black soldiers to fight in World War II but refusing them a place on a football field, and made it clear that Washington and Strode deserved a chance.

Yes, Harding wrote articles detailing the hypocrisy of the situation, but he didn’t stop there. Harding stood before the L.A. Coliseum Commission and argued that allowing a segregated team to play in a publicly funded stadium was an affront to the Black taxpayers who helped support it. He exposed the NFL’s unspoken racial ban, highlighted the hypocrisy of sending Black soldiers to fight in World War II but refusing them a place on a football field, and made it clear that Washington and Strode deserved a chance.

The argument was undeniable and ultimately issued an ultimatum— integrate or lose access to the Coliseum. Days later, Washington signed an NFL contract, becoming the first Black player in the modern era. Strode soon followed. Their inclusion forced the league to abandon its racial ban, reshaping the future of professional football.

The argument was undeniable and ultimately issued an ultimatum— integrate or lose access to the Coliseum. Days later, Washington signed an NFL contract, becoming the first Black player in the modern era. Strode soon followed. Their inclusion forced the league to abandon its racial ban, reshaping the future of professional football.

This victory wasn’t just about two athletes getting a shot—it was about systemic change. And it wouldn’t have happened without Black journalists who seized an opportunity.

This victory wasn’t just about two athletes getting a shot—it was about systemic change. And it wouldn’t have happened without Black journalists who seized an opportunity.

The impact of Black journalists extends far beyond sports. Historically, Black journalists have been at the forefront of civil rights movements, exposing racial violence, advocating for policy changes, and amplifying voices ignored by mainstream media. Ida B. Wells risked her life to document lynchings. The Chicago Defender helped spark the Great Migration by showing Black families a future beyond the South. The Black Panther newspaper empowered communities with knowledge. These journalists weren’t just reporting the news—they were shaping history.

The impact of Black journalists extends far beyond sports. Historically, Black journalists have been at the forefront of civil rights movements, exposing racial violence, advocating for policy changes, and amplifying voices ignored by mainstream media. Ida B. Wells risked her life to document lynchings. The Chicago Defender helped spark the Great Migration by showing Black families a future beyond the South. The Black Panther newspaper empowered communities with knowledge. These journalists weren’t just reporting the news—they were shaping history.

Today, Black journalists continue to face challenges, including systemic barriers to leadership positions, underrepresentation in newsrooms, and the ongoing struggle against misinformation and bias. But their role remains as critical as ever. From covering protests and police brutality to highlighting Black excellence and culture, they bring depth, context, and lived experience that mainstream outlets often overlook.

Today, Black journalists continue to face challenges, including systemic barriers to leadership positions, underrepresentation in newsrooms, and the ongoing struggle against misinformation and bias. But their role remains as critical as ever. From covering protests and police brutality to highlighting Black excellence and culture, they bring depth, context, and lived experience that mainstream outlets often overlook.

The story of Kenny Washington and Woody Strode reminds us that the fight for equity requires bold voices willing to challenge the status quo. It underscores the power of Black journalists—not just in chronicling history, but in making it.

The story of Kenny Washington and Woody Strode reminds us that the fight for equity requires bold voices willing to challenge the status quo. It underscores the power of Black journalists—not just in chronicling history, but in making it.