In her latest Nike ad created by Wieden + Kennedy, tennis icon Serena Williams addresses the critiques she has received about race and her lack of womanly qualities and features.

 

In a statement given to AdWeek, a Nike representative said, “As we approach International Women’s Day, Nike wanted to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women everywhere and share our belief in gender equality, in this case, delivered by Serena Williams, the greatest athlete of all time.”

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Williams is a new mom and speaks about wanting to be a role model for her 6-month-old daughter Alexis Jr. “I want my daughter to be truthful and honest, strong and powerful; to realize that she can impact those around her. I want her to grow up knowing a woman’s voice is extremely powerful. As females, we need to continue to be loud and make sure we are heard.”

Williams touches on realizing the impact of her role as a Black woman in tennis, and it is portrayed in the new ad. Watch the ad above.