Black women in sports took over the White House and did so with grace and style to celebrate the advancements Black women have made in the industry.
The White House recently celebrated National Black Women in Sports Day, hosting a memorable event in collaboration with Diverse Representation and the White House Office of Public Engagement. The event aimed to highlight the achievements and contributions of Black women in the sports industry, offering a platform for meaningful conversations and networking opportunities.
Diverse Representation Leads the Charge for Black Women in Sports
The event commenced with a panel discussion featuring influential Black women from various sectors of the sports industry. Jaia Thomas, the founder of Diverse Representation, shared her thoughts on the importance of representation beyond the playing field with 21Ninety.
“I wanted to ensure that Black women were celebrated and included in conversations about women in sports,” she said. “There are many Black women who play sports, but there aren’t enough behind the scenes in roles like CEOs, executives, agents, and attorneys.”
The panel featured trailblazers such as Lonnie Murray, the first Black woman to be an agent in Major League Baseball, alongside top names like Keia Clarke, Monica McNutt and Nneka Ogwumike. When selecting panelists for the event, Thomas said it was very meticulous.
“I wanted a diverse representation of women from all facets of sports,” she explained. Not just athletes, but also agents, executives, and broadcasters. These women are all trailblazers in their respective fields.”
Following the panel, attendees engaged in a networking reception, providing a space for sports and entertainment professionals, athletes, journalists, students, and members of the Biden-Harris administration to connect and exchange ideas.
Networking and Conversations for Change
National Black Women in Sports Day, established by Diverse Representation in 2023, aims to celebrate the accomplishments of Black women across the industry. It also seeks to challenge systemic barriers and promote racial and gender equity. “
This day is a way for us to find solutions to increase representation across the board,” Thomas stated.
The timing of the White House celebration, despite the official day being on July 7, was strategic.
“July 7th fell on a Sunday, which wasn’t feasible for the event. With the WNBA All-Star weekend and the Olympics ongoing, it still aligned with the spirit of women’s sports,” Thomas explained.
The event was a celebration of the progress and continued efforts needed to support Black women in the industry. It highlighted the significance of visibility and representation in driving social change.
“Our goal is to foster greater representation and more meaningful conversations surrounding Black women in the industry,” Thomas said.