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Spent some time outlining Naomi's public evolution on race and activism through two years of Grand Slams in a sport filled with country club WASPs https://twitter.com/TheUndefeated/status/1305150490913587200
The country may be overrun with red hats but tennis is still more Kennebunkport than Mar a Lago.
Serena crip walked so Naomi could run
"If Serena is the boogeywoman who won’t let anyone forget about race at large and American blackness in particular, then Osaka has been branded, without her consent, as the angel who will deliver us from such sordid unpleasantries."
Naomi tho: AHT AHT https://theundefeated.com/features/the-one-and-only-naomi-osaka/
Naomi tho: AHT AHT https://theundefeated.com/features/the-one-and-only-naomi-osaka/
When they lived in NY, Naomi's mom Tamaki used to get up at 4am to get to work.
Leonard, her dad, modeled himself after Richard Williams.
I wonder how many tennis people know the history of the Haitian revolution. They might want to learn.
Leonard, her dad, modeled himself after Richard Williams.
I wonder how many tennis people know the history of the Haitian revolution. They might want to learn.
It's funny that white folks have framed Naomi's activism as something that may take away her focus from tennis and have marveled that it hasn't.
I think that's completely backwards.
It's the feeling of despair and helplessness when another Black life is extinguished because of racism that disrupts focus. That's what sits on your mind. Feeling like you're not doing enough.
It's the feeling of despair and helplessness when another Black life is extinguished because of racism that disrupts focus. That's what sits on your mind. Feeling like you're not doing enough.
It's much easier to be at peace when you feel like you're doing your part, and when folks express their appreciation, which is what Sybrina Fulton and Marcus Arbery did.
Folks who grew up with generational wealth (see: a lot of folks in tennis) have a different relationship with survivor's guilt, I think.
Which is to say, they don't really have it. And it colors how you exist in the world.
Which is to say, they don't really have it. And it colors how you exist in the world.
Naomi is acutely aware of inequality because she's experienced both ends of it.
Anyway, I'm just theorizing. I could be wrong.
But I've had conversations this year with more than a few Black women who've done exceptionally well in their careers who are also vocal about BLM.
Survivor's guilt has been the common thread.
But I've had conversations this year with more than a few Black women who've done exceptionally well in their careers who are also vocal about BLM.
Survivor's guilt has been the common thread.
