By The Associated Press Tennis legend Serena Williams will now advance to the third round of the U.S. Open after defeating Anett Kontaveit in round two on Aug. 31. The win comes just weeks before the cultural icon turns 41. “I love a challenge. I love rising to the challenge. I haven’t played alot of […]
Category: Sports
Posted inSports
EleVen by Venus Williams launches eyewear line
By AFRO Staff Venus Williams continues to clock “aces” off-court, recently announcing the launching of her company’s first eyewear collection. EleVen, the tennis star’s activewear brand, has partnered with Look Optic to create a limited-edition collection of unisex metal frames, according to Tennis World USA. “Partnering with LOOK OPTIC and working with their team was […]
Posted inNational Sports
Charlene Curtis, coaching trailblazer in ACC, dies at 67
By The Associated Press Charlene Curtis, the first Black women’s head basketball coach in the ACC, died Aug. 18 after a battle with cancer, the conference said. She was 67. Curtis was the head coach at Wake Forest from 1997-2004, after head coaching stops at Radford and Temple, where she also was the first African-American […]
Posted inNational Sports
Washington Nationals on a bumpy road to rebuilding
By Mark F. Gray, Special to the AFRO On the way to the 2019 world championship, the Washington Nationals seemed to be a franchise set to become a dynastic organization with a championship pedigree. “Bumpy roads lead to beautiful places” was the mantra that carried them to a seven-game victory over the Houston Astros in […]
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Ravens’ Jackson enters another season with plenty to prove
By Noah Trister, The Associated Press Even more than usual, this feels like a crucial season for Lamar Jackson. Baltimore Ravens’ star quarterback has been both celebrated and doubted throughout his NFL career, whether he was winning MVP honors in 2019 or setting a career high in interceptions a season ago. After a late-season injury […]
Posted inNational Sports
Long-awaited Jackie Robinson Museum open to the public
By Menra Mapfumo, BlackPressUSA After years of anticipation and fundraising, the wife of Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson, has officially opened the Jackie Robinson Museum to the public. The museum will educate visitors by showcasing the life, legacy, and accomplishments of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, and not just their role in transforming America’s pastime, but their […]
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WNBA’s Brittney Griner appeals her Russian prison sentence
By Jim Heintz, The Associated Press News Lawyers for American basketball star Brittney Griner have filed an appeal of her nine-year Russian prison sentence for drug possession, Russian news agencies reported on Aug. 15, amid talks between the U.S. and Russia that could lead to a high-profile prisoner swap. Griner, an eight-time all-star center with […]
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Wright fumbles as commanders start new era with loss
By Mark F. Gray, Special to the AFRO The Washington Commanders opened what the organization calls a new era last Saturday against the Carolina Panthers. However, the first preseason game of the new season followed the same script which has reduced a once proud tradition of the NFL into an embarrassing rubble whose season ticket […]
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AFRO News: 130 years of shaping American sports and honoring African-American athletes and journalists
By Fatiha Belfakir, Special to the AFRO For centuries sports have been an essential part of African-American culture. The role of athletics in the Black community is crucial, as some Black youths- like many of every race- perceive sports as one way of seeking self-identity and belonging. While today’s athletes enjoy a range of freedoms […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: The AFRO at 130: a look back at the legacy of Sam Lacy
By Ralph E. Moore, Jr., Special to the AFRO Starting way back in 1944, the great Sam Lacy was sports editor for the AFRO American Newspaper. Mr. Lacy not only wrote history, he was history. He was there to see greatness in sports– especially great African American feats– and he advocated for fair representation in […]
Posted inNational Sports
ASALH Tribute to Bill Russell Requiem for a Champion
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History mourns the death of William Felton Russell. Russell is the winningest professional athlete of all time in team sports. He was the centerpiece of the Boston Celtics dynasty which claimed 11 NBA titles in 13 years, and one with him as player-coach, to become […]
Posted inNational Sports
Analysis: No winners in Deshaun Watson’s case
By Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension will stand only if the NFL allows it. The punishment given to the Cleveland Browns quarterback by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy fell far short of the one-year suspension the league wanted. No problem. Because of the collective […]