Three Black women athletes whose advocacy is changing and saving lives

The GIST: Where would we be without Black women, and in particular, Black women athletes? From the WNBA’s fight for social justice to gymnast Simone Biles’ radical candor regarding her mental health, Black women have been confronting the most pressing issues in our society for…well, ever.

• To celebrate and honor that strength, here’s how three iconic Black women athletes are changing the world from the stage to the track to the pool, and beyond.

🩰 Misty Copeland: The first Black woman to become the principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, Copeland’s not just an athlete — she’s also an artist who considers her very on-stage presence to be a form of activism.

• Today, Copeland supports Black dancers through her foundation, which is committed to diversifying ballet and breaking down the notoriously white sport’s numerous barriers to entry. When in doubt, be bold.

👟 Allyson Felix: Felix has seven Olympic sprinting gold medals, but her most important fights have come off the track. After experiencing a life-threatening medical condition during her first pregnancy in 2018, she’s been a champion for Black maternal health, which is especially important considering Black women are almost three times more likely to die in pregnancy compared to American white women.

• While postpartum, Felix decided to leave Nike, her longtime sponsor, after they cut her contract by 70% and refused to add maternity stipulation language to a new deal.

• Since retiring from running, Felix has testified before Congress to address racial disparities in healthcare and won a $20M Melinda Gates grant to improve maternal health for Black American women. She’s unstoppable.

🏊 Simone Manuel: Sixty-four percent of African American children have “little to no swimming ability” — an alarming and dangerous statistic that Manuel, the first Black woman to win the 100M freestyle at the Olympics, is actively combatting.

• Founded in 2023, the Simone Manuel Foundation advocates for water safety and swim readiness in BIPOC communities, providing the support for Black children on swim teams that Manuel herself did not have as an aspiring Olympian. Truly making a splash.