"Haven't held up a trophy in a long time" - Serena Williams wins Jackie Robinson Sports Award at NAACP Image Awards
Serena Williams won an accolade at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards. The American was the recipient of the Jackie Robinson Sports Award, an accolade named after legendary baseball player Robinson, who was the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball.
Williams hung up her tennis boots in 2022, after dominating the sport for almost two decades. Playing in her last professional tournament, the former World No. 1 lost to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 US Open.
Dressed in a black outfit, the 23-time Grand Slam singles winner received the honor from American actress Kerry Washington. In her award acceptance speech, the American joked about not winning a trophy in recent years and thanked her friend Kerry Washington.
'I haven’t held up a trophy in a long time,' she said. 'Do I do it like this? [Laughs] Thank you. It’s such an honor to have a friend present this award to me today. I am incredibly grateful for your incredible kind words and your unwavering support over the years," she said.
She further thanked the NAACP for their contribution to important areas of health care, sports, and education, among others to improve the lives of African-Americans.
"Thank you to the NAACP, which continues to accelerate change with important areas such as health care, education, sports, the economy and so, so much more. The tireless efforts of your organization are making a difference in the lives of African Americans today and tomorrow," Williams said.
So nice to see Serena Williams get the Jackie Robinson Sports Award at the #NAACPImageAward. She said, “The tireless efforts of your organization are making a big difference in the lives of African-Americans today and tomorrow,” #Sports #leadership https://t.co/UXMRN0HbEL
The Sports Award has previously been received by several stars such as Michael Jordan and Lebron James, to name a few.
"I'd also like to thank the image awards and the Hollywood bureau for honoring me with the Jackie Robinson award tonight. Still incredible for me. I am super humbled to be amongst the greatest names in today’s culture, celebrating those who promote equity through creative endeavors," Serena Williams added.
The 41-year-old also enjoyed her own fan girl moment with the sight of so many of her favorite artists surrounding her in the same room.
"This event continues to acknowledge the contributions of those who have pursued their craft in television, film, music and literature. So much more. I know this might be surprising to you, but I feel like a fangirl to be in this room around so many artists who have played my favorite characters in so many stories that made me cry, laugh, anything marvel. And anything in between," Serena Williams added.
Serena Williams reunited with Maria Sharapova at London Fashion Week
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