While the rest of the world was on vacation, Black athletes showed up and showed out this holiday weekend. Here’s a recap, in case you missed out on the action.
Serena and Venus Williams
Yesss @Venuseswilliams come thru!!! Congrats on making it to the Wimbledon semifinals. pic.twitter.com/loqMWFdeJ8
— xoNecole (@xonecole) July 5, 2016
Venus Williams is back in the semis and she’s playing some damn good tennis. Melanin don’t fade.
— Vann R. Newkirk II (@fivefifths) July 5, 2016
Serena Williams proved yet again why she is a force to be reckoned with. The champion just earned her 300th career Grand Slam match and win, making her the second for career Slam victories.
Always aware of her position, Serena had this to say about the expectations to win via ESPN.
“Every time I step out on the court, if I don’t win, it’s major national news,” she said. “But if I do win, it’s just like a small tag in the corner. … I don’t look at it as a burden. I look at it almost like something that’s really awesome to be in that position.” We’re happy to salute Serena at every chance we get!
On Tuesday, the sisters both found themselves on the winning side both scoring wins to the next round of the Grand Slam finals.
Vashti Cunningham
“It was a good experience to compete at #Portland2016 vs. women I look up to. I’m at that level, too. I can be great, too.” – @vashtizzle_
— USATF (@usatf) June 30, 2016
If you don’t know Vashti Cunningham, you will soon. At 18 years old, the young star became the youngest Olympian in Track and Field in 36 years. The daughter of retired NFL All-Pro quarterback Randall Cunningham came in second place in her competition to round out the Olympic team. Vashti didn’t let that deter her, telling NBC Sports “I always want to win, but this is something that will hit me on the head and make me work harder. I’ve got more motivation for Rio.”
Get her story at JETMag.com.
Kevin Durant
Only in sports do we hate someone 4 joining other good players. Imagine critiquing Steve Jobs 4 wanting to work w/ @BillGates. #kevindurant
— Wade Davis II (@Wade_Davis28) July 4, 2016
.@KDTrey5 was dutiful to #Oklahoma. It is not fair to burn his jersey. He deserves better. pic.twitter.com/VmyzQInlBP
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) July 5, 2016
Kevin Durant’s bold choice to leave Oklahoma City created its own fireworks this past Monday. The Warriors already were a super team before one of the league’s most unstoppable scorers decided to leave Oklahoma City for the Bay Area. Golden State won the championship in 2015, rolled to a regular-season record 73 victories last season, and nearly had back-to-back titles before they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Read about how his decision impacts the NBA over at JETMag.com.