In a society where Black Men have been deemed as public enemy #1 and have been denied justice on so many levels, the symbolism of a Black American queer female athlete being released by Russian officials is so powerful. What I’m saying is 50 years ago Brittney would have rotted in Russia. And although the swiftness of resolution could have been due to clout, racism, homophobia and sexism, the end result shows the rise of the original Woman and how much she matters.
For so long, voices like Fannie Lou Hammer, Mamie Till and Betty Shabazz have faded in the wind, yet the release of Brittney Griner is a win for all women. A win for the memory of Sandra Bland, a win for Breonna Taylor, a win for Korrine Gaines and as Brittney begins her healing from such a horrific event, I pray she tells the story and shows us that most don’t make it through such perils. I pray she stands on her strength and makes us all better. She now joins the Michelle Obamas and Kamala Harris’s in our many firsts.
I prayed for you Sis. Your capture and now release just exemplifies the resilience of the Black Woman. Your grace will never be forgotten. To God Be The Glory.