Monday, September 8, 2008

Go Serena!

My girl, Serena Williams, had me up until almost midnight last night, even though I had to get up at 5:30. She won the U.S. Open and took the number one ranking.



I have been a fan of the Williams sisters since the days of the beads. I remember when Venus first hit the scene. It was a James Brown moment. Say it loud! They didn't know what to do with her. Black folks aren't suppose to play tennis.



As if Venus taking the tennis world by storm wasn't enough, Serena was added to the mix. It was so wonderful watching these two powerful, poised, and talented young ladies getting the job done. The odds were against them from the start. They didn't get the warmest of receptions from tennis fans or players, but through it all they kept their heads up and busted down barriers.



Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe laid the foundation and the Williams sisters made the road a little smoother. They changed the way women's tennis was played. Power! I loved watching it all unfold. People who doubted and disrespected them had no choice but to respect these young women. They never complained, just played tennis and collected titles. That's how it's done.



The Williams sisters have inspired many young people. They've inspired me as well. They've shown me that no matter how people doubt you or talk about you, you can achieve your goals. They put the T in tenacity and have made their mark on the world of tennis, just as I would like to do in the writing world. I thank them for doing us proud. Every time I see them I well up with pride.

They've grown into wonderful young women and I wish them continued success.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for educating me. I watch tennis every once in a while, but I'm not a huge fan. Black Power! Girl Power!

Strongblkwmn said...

They're the bomb. If you watch a match you'll be hooked.

Don said...

I think Serena Williams is the best in the game 2day. Even after they tried to bring her down...she took the pressure, arose, and became even more successful.

check out my blog buddy's blog. from reading yours and hers...i think the both of you would make good blog buddies.

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http://songsinthekeyoflife.wordpress.com/

The Fitness Diva said...

Them is my GURLS, Yo! ;)

Love them to death!!

Get that 1.5 million dollar check, girl.

I'm so happy she has the #1 ranking that she deserves now. Serena blows the rest of those girls away. Her and big sis!

Strongblkwmn said...

It was so great to see her jump up and down when she won. I'd say the Williams sisters have their fire back and the rest of the women in the WTA better watch out.

Unknown said...

Good piece! They look fly in that last picture. There is nothing I love more than seeing black folks dominate in areas traditionally dominated by whites. Swimming, here we come! Thanks to Cullen Jones winning an Olympic Gold (he is from Jersey and went to my brother school St. Benedicts) we got blacks breaking the glass ceiling in this sport too!

Glad to see you writing :-)

Strongblkwmn said...

Amy! I'm so glad to see you here.

Of course, I am over the moon about Cullen Jones winning that gold medal. We're doing it and I love it. Now all we have to do is get that Black man in the White House.

The Fitness Diva said...

I also love the fact that Serena is built like a true Sista!

RULING the court with those damn curves! :)