In honor of Black History Month in February, USA TODAY Sports will be publishing the series “29 Black Stories in 29 Days.” Examines the issues, challenges, and opportunities that Black athletes and sports professionals continue to face after the nation's racial tally following the 2020 killing of George Floyd. This is the fourth in the series..
Today is the last day of Black History Month. Black History Month is an annual celebration, and this time it's been extended an extra 24 hours because it's a leap year. I've read and watched numerous feature articles about Black athletes who have left their mark on the sports world, from famous heroes like Jackie Robinson to lesser-known but equally influential stars like Lynette Woodard. It may happen.
Now, the question is, will you continue to pay attention?
A few weeks ago, WNBA stars A'ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray spoke with reporters about the explosive popularity of women's basketball during USA Basketball's minicamp in Brooklyn, New York. The sport has suddenly become very popular and more people are talking about women's basketball. There are more college hoops than men's college hoops on any given day (sorry Purdue people, but it's true).
Much of that is due to Des Moines, Iowa, native Caitlin Clark, who has a penchant for logo 3s, jaw-dropping passes in transition, and ruthless trash talk. Her scoring and passing has been prolific and Clark has been compared to “Pistol” Pete Maravich. She is nicknamed “Ponytail Pete” by older fans who appreciate her star power and her versatility. Clark, the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women's basketball, has brought countless new eyes to the game, with many watching her every move, tracking her stats and watching her. is anxiously waiting to see if he can lead Iowa to its second straight Final Four.
But for a variety of reasons, the enthusiasm for women's college basketball didn't trickle down to the WNBA. The W, which will soon be entering its 28th season, is widely considered to be the hardest league to win in, considering it only has 144 roster spots. Every time a new convert breathlessly tells me that they've had enough of women's basketball since they met Clark, my reaction has been the same.
“Do you watch W? I mean, I'm telling you, if you think Clark is good, you should watch A'ja Wilson. She's the best player in the world.” both edge of the floor. ”
This doesn't take anything away from Clark's games, which I love. She is a generational talent who elevated this sport. She understands that her game elevates everything about women's basketball. This is evident every time she speaks to the media. She has earned every honor given to her on the court. I can't wait to see what she does in the league and beyond (and yes, I think she should be on the 2024 Olympic team).
But context matters in popularity contests. And Clark's undeniable factor in her popularity is that she is white. Over the years, numerous studies have been published pointing to data showing that white women, especially straight white women, receive more marketing and sponsorship funds than women of color. They also attract media attention.
This isn't me getting on my “woke” soapbox. That's a fact. Before Clark, his basketball love was Sabrina Ionescu, an All-American from Oregon. She is also a white guard and currently plays for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Consider that Ionescu, who has never won a championship at either the collegiate or pro level, got her signature shoe in her fourth season in the league. Wilson has won an NCAA title, two WNBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and has a statue of her erected outside Colonial Life Arena in South Carolina, but she doesn't have a signature shoe. do not have. She is about to enter her seventh season.
Is anyone naive enough to say race doesn't matter here?
None other than Paige Backers, another white superstar, acknowledged this in her acceptance speech at the ESPYS three years ago.
“I want to shine a light on Black women with the light that I have now as a white woman leading a Black-led sport and being celebrated here,” said the actress, who was recently named Female College Athlete of the Year for her play. Bakkers said. At U.C. “They don't get the media coverage they deserve. They make a huge contribution to the sport, the community and society as a whole and their value is undeniable.
“I think it's time for a change. It's the sports media that holds the key to the storyline. Sports media and sponsors tell us who is valuable, and today I want to show the world that I matter. Thank you to everyone who spoke and voted. But I think we should use this power together to celebrate Black women, too. ”
Bookers was 19 years old when she said this.
As the Paris Games approach and Wilson and Gray are expected to be named to the Olympic team for the second time, I want them to have more fans at the highest level of a sport where many of the top athletes are black women. I asked what the basketball powerhouses could do to take the field. They answered honestly.
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“So how can America welcome black women?” Wilson said. “Honestly, it's sad to say this… We're playing on the biggest platform in the world and we're still begging people to pay attention to us. It's crazy to me. But I think: The product is there, the talent is there, and it's the same thing in terms of “How can we grow the W?” Just take a look! Take a look and you will be amazed. ”
Gray, who cited Malcolm X when pointing out that black women are the most despised people in America, said: I think that's important. We understand the message we need to spread.
“In Aja’s opinion, just investing in our sport and investing in women, that really helps move the needle forward towards the growth of the game. When you come and watch a game, a lot of people comment and comment.'' They act arrogantly without taking the time to understand who we are as people. It's a little frustrating. ”
Wilson then brought up allyship and how important it is for those at the table to fight for coverage of Black women and investment in Black women every chance they get.
“Allies in that room, not just during things like Olympic week and Black History Month, but throughout the year and throughout our lives, those people invest in us and pour into us. are talking about us and it's not taboo,” Wilson said. “It's not like, 'Oh, let's talk about black people now.' No, we (need) to live it every day.”
That applies to everyone's stories we tell. It’s been great to spend the past 29 days celebrating Black athletes. But to really make a difference, we need to keep talking about it for the rest of this year and beyond.
No doubt, Wilson and Gray are thrilled that so many people are paying attention to the game they love that inspired their careers. But this attention can't just be a trend, Wilson says.
Today may be the last day of Black History Month, but it shouldn't be the last day to learn about and champion the Black athletes who impact our society on and off the court.
Follow Lindsay Schnell on social media: @Lindsay_Schnell
