The accomplishments and history of Black women in the sports industry are being celebrated through the first-ever National Black Women in Sports Day.
Black Women in Sports Day, celebrated on July 7, is the work of sports and entertainment attorney Jaia Thomas. It is being held through her company Diverse Representation — which focuses on helping increase the hiring and reach of Black agents, managers, publicists, and others in the sports and entertainment industries.
National Black Women in Sports Day includes a social media campaign — which uses the hashtag #blackwomeninsports.
The day is also a moment to celebrate the debut of the The Black Women in Sports website.
Speaking to The Athletic, Thomas said she wants the day to highlight the impact of Black women in all areas of sports — including athletes, agents, and coaches.
“Firstly, I want National Black Women in Sports Day to serve as a blueprint for young Black girls to see what is possible. As the adage goes ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’”said Thomas. “Although I had amazing examples of successful Black women throughout my childhood, I don’t think I ever met a Black woman agent, attorney, or executive in the sports industry until I was in my late 20s or maybe early 30s.
“Having a day that highlights these women can provide a type of exposure for young Black girls and young Black women that they may not get elsewhere. I’m hoping this exposure motivates them to pursue these careers.”
Thomas added that she hopes the day helps “open up more opportunities for Black women in the sports industry” and builds “more support for Black women who currently work in the sports industry.”
And numerous accounts have joined the Black Women in Sports Day celebration by taking to their social media pages to hashtag content and commentary about Black women’s roles in the sports industry.
“While there are several resources dedicated to women in the sports industry, there are few resources dedicated specifically to Black women in the sports industry and there are unique challenges and adversities that Black women face that still aren’t being addressed,” Thomas said in a press release about the day.
Thomas continued that the goal of the day is to spotlight the individuals, organizations, and companies paving the way for greater gender and racial equality in the world of sports.