by Leah C.K. Lewis

Serena Williams is adored. She is revered. She dominates in such an elegant sport and the world knows it. Tennis lovers, especially those of us who understand her impact and age-defying accomplishments, are happy to be alive during her tenure, which is now twenty years and running.

by Karen Crouse

Serena Williams was conspicuously absent from the BNP Paribas Open for 13 years, so she could be forgiven for lingering in her return. Making her first appearance at the tournament since the 2001 final, Williams, the world No. 1, defeated Monica Niculescu, 7-5, 7-5, in 2 hours 3 minutes in front of fans so firmly behind her, their cheers were like a wind at her back.

by Jenn M. Jackson


There may be nothing more intimidating – and therefore offensive – to White folks than Black Americans who set boundaries for their personal space and public privacy.

Increasing numbers of Black celebrities, entertainers, and athletes have forcefully established themselves as people rather than objects for commodification and public consumption. From Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, to Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, to Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Blacks in the public eye have demanded respect for their personal space in ways that disrupt White Supremacy and challenge the control of the White Gaze.

by Sikivu Hutchison

Every Sunday for the past several years the mug of real estate mogul and L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling has commanded prime ad space in the Los Angeles Times. Touting Sterling’s philanthropy, these ads often feature grinning photos of prominent African American politicians, religious leaders and other glad-handing public figures who’ve received hefty donations from his financial empire. After TMZ revealed a recording of Sterling’s racist comments about black people to girlfriend V. Stiviano, President Obama and other dignitaries were swift to condemn him. On Monday it was “shockingly” revealed that Sterling, who is Jewish, went the extra mile with his racism in the recording, contending that “the blacks are treated like dogs” in Israel to Stiviano. Responding to her criticism of this claim, Sterling reiterated that “the black Jews” are “less than” white Jews and that that is the way it should be.

by Kimberly Foster

Seattle Seahawks' Cornerback Richard Sherman is elite by many standards. The All-Pro NFL star will soon reach a milestone in his profession that only a small fraction of  his peers will see, he's rich, and he's a Stanford graduate. None of these accomplishments; however, could insulate Sherman from the onslaught of racist abuse hurled at him after he gave an impassioned soliloquy post Sunday night's big win against the San Francisco 49ers.

This weekend Roy Hibbert of the Indiana Pacers used the phrase "no homo," along with some other colorful language, during a post-game press conference. Hibbert's words immediately stirred both debate and controversy and resulted in Hibbert receiving a $75,000 fine from the NBA.

by Evan Seymour

Brittney Griner is a beast. Yes, I called a woman a beast. As a fellow black female, I feel I am at liberty to do so. The 6’8 center towers above most of her competition. She is a force to be reckoned with. Griner is the first player in NCAA history, male or female, to score 2000 points and block 500 shots. She’s the hottest new player in the WNBA and a breath of fresh air in women’s sports. Griner also happens to be gay.