Serena Williams sits down with Common to talk about race and identity.
As an Oscar-winning hip-hop Renaissance man, Common has brought a spotlight to nuanced discussions of race and activism. His latest contribution to the dialogue was the November release of his album Black America Again, a critically acclaimed musical expression of the tensions of our time. It's also a reflection of the conversations he's had with prominent figures about racial divisiveness in this country.
One of those people is his longtime friend Serena Williams. After a year in which the sports world was dominated by national-anthem protests and equal-pay debates, Common and the tennis legend recently sat down for a candid conversation about fame, race and gender. What follows is an edited, condensed version of Undefeated in Depth: Serena and Common, an interview special that debuted on ESPN.
COMMON: Do you feel like you and Venus opened up doors for black women in sports?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Obviously, everything I’ve done is because of the help of my sister Venus. But when I started out, I never thought, “I want to open up doors for black athletes,” and then to female athletes. I ended up on this path and people started looking up to me and it was different, because I was like, “I’m just doing me.” And people were starting to appreciate it; I was like, “Wow, OK, that’s kind of cool.”
C: Was it a weight that you didn’t know you were going to have to take on?
SW: I never think of it as a weight. I believe that God never gives you more than what you can handle, and for me, I’m not carrying it alone. I embrace it.
C: Do you ever get discouraged, feeling like you’ve got too much responsibility or that people expect too much from you?
この記事は ESPN The Magazine の December 26,2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は ESPN The Magazine の December 26,2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
The Rape Allegation Against Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Fame's Protective Shield
To be the world’s most famous athlete means Cristiano Ronaldo can appear on screens everywhere yet somehow elude the fallout from a rape allegation.
Michelle Waterson Reps More Than Herself In The Cage
MMA is a violent and unforgiving sport. But instead of shielding her young daughter from her career, Michelle Waterson is bringing her along every step of the way.
Kyler Murray Owns His Future In A Way No Other Rookie Has
As Kyler Murray decides which sport will win his talents, at least one thing is clear: He owns his future in a way no other rookie has.
Kyle Kuzma Turned A Sneaker Obsession Into A Legit Business Opportunity
No eight-figure shoe deal? No problem. The Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma walked his own path to sneaker supremacy.
Bryce Harper Is One Very Big Deal
He’s baseball’s best-known face and now its richest player. In this exclusive interview, the All-Star talks rejecting $300 million, recruiting Mike Trout and becoming a Phillie for life.
Kyler Murray - Will Past Be Prologue For The Possible Top NFL Draft Pick?
Sizable expectations? Kyler Murray’s got a few: go No. 1 in the draft, become a franchise player and—oh yeah— completely blow up decades of doctrine about short quarterbacks.
Eternal Champions
Seven months ago, Brazilian underdogs Chapecoense boarded a plane to play in the game of their lives. Instead, their biggest moment turned into a tragedy no one can forget.
What's In A Name?
With the founder of Bikram yoga facing assault allegations, it seems simple: Studios should distance themselves from his name. But it’s not so easy.
One Formula For Change
To inject excitement back into its races, Formula One needs more than a tweak or new twist—it needs to correct its course.
All About The Goals
U.S. national team hero and Chicago Red Stars defensive midfielder Julie Ertz shares her secrets for keeping her world-champion mindset.
