In a brand new interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Claressa Shields delivers a strong message about visibility, respect, and the media’s remedy of Black ladies athletes. The 2-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed boxing champion didn’t stroll again her viral feedback about Angel Reese; she clarified them.
“I’m not offended or salty or any of that,” she stated. “I used to be simply shocked.”
Shields expressed deep admiration for Reese, explaining that her remarks have been by no means meant to decrease the LSU star however to spark a bigger dialog about consistency in recognizing Black excellence in sports activities.
“I’ve received the Ladies’s Sports activities Basis Award for Sportswoman of the Yr thrice—greater than another lady,” Shields stated. “I feel Serena Williams received it twice. I went to the ESPYs as the one feminine boxer to ever win Finest Boxer. I’ve a Nickelodeon award. I imply, I’ve all this stuff that I’ve received. So I assumed that will imply lastly getting some recognition with BET.”
She additionally opened up in regards to the frustration of being neglected regardless of her trailblazing profession.Shields stated. She pointed to ongoing disparities in how feminine athletes in fight sports activities are lined and celebrated in comparison with their male counterparts.
The interview touches on the stress between talking reality and being misinterpreted. “Something that we do—good, dangerous—we are saying one thing, put on one thing; they’re all down our throats. Grown males, grown ladies consistently judging us, trolling us, making an attempt to interrupt our will and make us not be assured. And I feel we each expertise that. Being Black ladies, they assault us each single day. Once I see her getting it and I am going via it myself, I’m clapping for myself and clapping for her, as a result of she simply retains going. I truly hate that it seems to be like I joined the Angel Reese hate practice.”
You possibly can see the total interview beneath.