Thread by @TheUndefeated

We’re live @MorganStateU for our discussion on the challenges black female athletes face in sports.

Panelists:

• @mirarose88: Assistant Professor @penn_state
• @Nnemkadi30: @LA_Sparks Forward, President of the @TheWNBPA
• @AjAndrews0609: Pro Softball player

#NoCeilingsConvo

On how stereotypes affect black female athletes:

"A lot of people were astounded at the fact that I spoke well because I play sports especially as a black female athlete playing sports. It’s a one dimensional type of perspective for a lot of people." - @Nnemkadi30

“Being women in sports then also being black women in sport, it weighs on you – a lot of the things that you have to put out in order to be respected in order to even be acknowledged and get the recognition that I feel we all deserve” @AjAndrews0609

#NoCeilingsConvo

"Why does it make sense that a young girl wants to be in the NBA. Come beat Brittney Griner first, then you can be in the WNBA. It’s the idea of I’m going to be the greatest in this league because that league may not suffice." @Nnemkadi30

#NoCeilingsConvo

How can we get rid of the ideology that we have to prove that we are better than the guys?

"For us, it’s kind of nice to be compared to the guys. You can compare Diana Taurasi to the likes of Michael Jordan and such because of how amazing she is." @Nnemkadi30

#NoCeilingsConvo

"They always talk about black men, black women, we have to work twice as hard as our white counterparts. In my opinion, in softball, it's almost like you have to work 10 times as hard." @AjAndrews0609 #NoCeilingsConvo

AJ Andrews says 41 players were invited for the Olympic softball trials. Only 3 were black.

"That is in no way indicative of the black talent that’s in softball at all"

#NoCeilingsConvo

What do you think about those who say that NBA players deserve to make more money because they generate more money and are more profitable?

"I think everything is right about that except the word 'deserve.'" @Nnemkadi30

#NoCeilingsConvo

When did you realize your position as a black female athlete could make an impact.

"I realized it very early when I realized there’s not a lot of me around. The only way things are going to change is if we push for that change. Nobody’s going to do it for us.” @AjAndrews0609

How has @Kaepernick7’s movement impacted you?

"For me it’s inspirational. I don’t know what speaking out is going to do for me personally but I do know what me speaking out is going to do for the black community and those that want to be in my position one day." @AjAndrews0609

An audience member asks if the WNBA rims should be lowered:

"You want us to lower the rim so we can be continuously compared to men, only to still be criticized because now I have to re-learn the game to appease people who don’t even watch the game for what it is." @Nnemkadi30