“I want to shed light on black women. They haven’t received the media coverage they deserve. They have made significant contributions to sports, the community, and society as a whole, and their value is undeniable. Now The sports media that I think is the key to the story. The sports media and sponsors will tell you who is worth it. You tell the world that I’m important today and all you voted for Thanks to everyone, but we also use this power together to celebrate black women. ”—UConn’s Page Boukers during the 2021 ESPY Award-winning speech
It’s hard to believe that the people who run the ESPY Awards have been paying attention to the Boukers message after what happened in the last few days. Or they promise to prove how correct she is.
Nothing has changed a year after Bueckers took on the task of overlooking a black female athlete after being named the best athlete in women’s college sports with sports media and sponsors. She made a speech at ESPN, a network that broadcasts the Women’s Final Four and many other NCAA Women’s Championships where black women are shining. South Carolina star Alley BostonThis year’s Nice Smith National Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and the best player in the same ESPY-nominated female NCAA tournament this year.
And she wasn’t even invited to the award ceremony. More precisely, she wasn’t invited until South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley spotted Snab on Twitter and the turmoil broke out.
Then, apparently, she was invited. Boston naturally refused..
Boston statement “It’s more painful to invite me only after ESPN changes course and social media notices it,” rather than knowing that the network wouldn’t broadcast the category she was nominated for, Twitter on Wednesday. .. (There were also candidates from other categories Not invited.. )
There is no doubt that Boston was the best player in her sport this past season, Sell an impressive rating It participated in the NCAA Women’s Division I title game, saying that the women’s basketball effort was “stronger than ever” and wasn’t the right time for college women to celebrate on stage. ..
What Boston wrote next resonated with many.
“I’m used to this. It’s another moment when black women’s contempt and erasure are wiped out as” mistakes “or” oversights. ” Fifty years after Title IX, this is another excuse for why this milestone and achievement is not a “priority”. “
I’m used to this.
The reality of that statement is traumatic. Because black women everywhere feel overlooked and despised in her workplace, ignore her thoughts, Stolen flat outMinimized or rejected, is described as “difficult” to speak and act like anyone else.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a black woman doing a minimum wage job, completing her medical training, or, in the case of Boston, becoming the most decorated college basketball player in the country. Being seen, appreciated and celebrated is a constant struggle.
Fortunately, Boston, including colleagues, seems to have far more support than online ridicule. Bookers tweeted That Boston “[deserves] “Much better” and “requires actual permanent changes, not temporary modifications to protect the image.”
And at least one ESPN executive took notice.Posted by Rob King, Editor-in-Chief of Network’s Special Products, just before the award show aired on Wednesday night. set Of tweets “I want to capture the progress of women who are committed to keeping the trail burning and celebrating the story, impact and progress … I also realize that there is still a lot to do and it is unwavering. About getting it right! “
It doesn’t change what happened to Boston and other young women nominated for her category, and it doesn’t change that she was invited only when she first found out that she was left behind.
In particular, gradual improvements have been seen, as it became clear that organizations prefer to use black women to wipe out hot turmoil (hello). Mavericks When Raiders), Given the long history of black women being driven by maids and moms, cynics may see it as little change beyond salary increases.
We continue to work and fight to respect our mothers, sisters and girlfriends.
Listen to Boston’s words.
“To all black girls and all black women: you are important. You are worth. You are a priority. You are seen and you are loved. Don’t let others tell you. please give me.”
