The NPR Politics Podcast Should Athletes Be Activists? WNBA Star Nneka Ogwumike Says They Have To Be
Sep 13, 2021
Join WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA Players Association, as she discusses the transformative activism of female athletes. She highlights the league's pivotal role in the Black Lives Matter movement and their bold protests for social justice. Nneka explores how athletes can empower communities and the importance of leveraging their platforms for change. She also delves into the struggle for equal pay in women's sports, underscoring the vital connection between activism and athleticism in shaping societal discourse.
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WNBA's Political Impact
- WNBA players wore "Vote Warnock" T-shirts to support Raphael Warnock, Kelly Loeffler's opponent in the Georgia Senate race.
- This activism contributed to Warnock's win and the Democrats gaining Senate control.
Taking a Stand
- The WNBA players felt compelled to act, refusing to "shut up and dribble."
- They leveraged their platform during the pandemic to advocate for social justice, impacting the election and Senate control.
T-Shirt Activism
- Elizabeth Williams and Sue Bird initiated the idea of wearing "Vote Warnock" T-shirts.
- The players used media availability in the WNBA bubble to amplify their message.