WNBA Players Nneka Ogwumike and Sue Bird Dedicate Entire 2020 Season to Social Justice
Declaring that Black Lives Matter, wearing Breonna Taylor’s name on their jerseys and more.
WNBA players Nneka Ogwumike and Sue Bird have released a powerful social justice op-ed exclusively on Phenomenal. Founded by Meena Harris, the female-led brand is dedicated to raising awareness of social issues that affect underrepresented communities, with an emphasis on women of color.
For the entire 2020 season, Ogwumike and Bird have declared they will be dedicating their time to fighting for social justice. “As athletes, we need organizations and team owners that respect us — and represent us — for who we are,” they said. “As women, we need allyship to extend beyond women with powerful platforms to include all — from corporate sponsors to our NBA brethren — who are willing to understand and educate, listen and learn, holding space for women’s voices in the national conversation.”
The women also mention in their statement:
“As WNBA players, we are athletes. We are allies. We are Black and brown women. We are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this moment of national reckoning, our league is a microcosm of so much of the world that’s worth fighting for: a community that reflects incredible diversity, real inclusion, a long tradition of proud activism, and a deep commitment to fighting injustice.
That’s why, this year, we’re making sports history by dedicating the WNBA’s entire 2020 season to social justice. We’re declaring that Black Lives Matter, wearing Breonna Taylor’s name on our jerseys, and showing up for the forgotten victims of police brutality and racial violence.”
Ogwumike and Bird conclude their message by asking fans to show their support with intention. “Lasting change comes down to the individual decisions we make, and the new habits we form, each day: to cheer on a WNBA team — at least virtually — with friends and family members.”
For more information about the initiative, read the entire op-ed here via Phenomenal’s website.
