Los Angeles –
Serena Williams will be honored for her tennis achievements, business success, and efforts to improve her community at this weekend’s NAACP Image Awards.
The NAACP announced Thursday that Williams will receive the Jackie Robinson Sports Award during the ceremony. The award recognizes individuals in the sport who have demonstrated high achievement in athletics in their pursuit of social justice, civil rights and community engagement.
Previous winners include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, Wilmal Rudolph and the Harlem Globetrotters.
“From her record-breaking wins on the tennis court to her business acumen to her philanthropic efforts, she set standards for athletes everywhere,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. He said Williams was “a prime example of black excellence”.
Williams is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. She has held her title in her 23 Grand Slam singles. She has won Wimbledon seven times as a singles player.
Outside of tennis, Williams served as Executive Producer on the Oscar-nominated film King Richard. She launched her own venture her capital company and fashion brand focused on women’s empowerment. She recently published a children’s book, The Adventures of Qai Qai, teamed with two veterans, designed to reimagine non-cruel topical pain relief and recovery. Launched her solution for daily muscle care.
Queen Latifah hosts the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California. The ceremony honors entertainers, athletes and writers of color.
