I see similarities to the way Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated and misrepresented after death with the way Black sportswomen are celebrated and misrepresented after death or early retirement or even early death.

There’s the example of Ora Washington, which I wrote about last week, who was “forgotten” for 50 years or so before going into various Hall of Fames, then somewhat “forgotten” again. This is not the only example of this. https://theblacksportswoman.com/ora-washington 

When I learn about someone new I ask: Why don’t I know this person already? Why am I just now hearing about this? Usually there’s like 5 reasons on top of racism, but it’s important not to just glorify their accomplishments (or tokenize) without discussing ~everything~ else.

I fear/forsee this happening with Crystal Dunn. When she goes into the Hall of Fame, will she be called “the most underrated player of her time” when she could have been properly recognized during her career if given the correct amount of opportunity, awards and coverage?

If she didn’t have to be the face of “overcoming” (ex. 2015 WC), the converting of Black girl midfielders and moving the sport forward for Black girls in interviews?

Just some thoughts for us to consider as we approach #BlackHistoryMonth and another USWNT match tonight.