“It Boils My Blood When People Say It’s Not About Race Because It Is”: A’ja Wilson Opens Up About the Intersection of Race and Basketball
In a world where athletes are increasingly using their platforms to speak out on issues beyond the court, A’ja Wilson, one of the most prominent stars in the WNBA, has never been afraid to tackle tough subjects. The 2022 WNBA MVP and two-time champion is known for her prowess on the court, but off the court, her voice is equally powerful when it comes to social justice, race, and the challenges Black athletes face in a world that often demands their silence.
Recently, Wilson sat down for a candid interview in which she expressed her frustrations with those who downplay the role race plays in shaping the experiences of Black athletes, particularly women, in sports. “It boils my blood when people say it’s not about race, because it is,” she said, her voice calm but resolute. “Race affects everything we do—how we’re seen, how we’re valued, how we’re treated. If you don’t see that, you’re choosing to ignore it.”
These words are not just an offhand comment from a player; they reflect the lived reality of Black athletes who navigate both the literal and metaphorical courtrooms of sport, where race often determines whether they are celebrated or marginalized. A’ja Wilson’s statement comes at a time when the intersections of race, gender, and sports are being more actively discussed, but also, in some cases, dismissed.
A’ja Wilson’s Journey: From Spartanburg to the Spotlight
Born in 1996 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Wilson was introduced to basketball at a young age. She was raised in a basketball-loving family, but growing up as one of the few Black girls in a predominantly white, middle-class environment in her hometown made her aware of how society viewed her not only as an athlete but as a Black woman.
Despite these challenges, she excelled in basketball, eventually becoming a McDonald’s All-American in high school. Her undeniable talent earned her a scholarship to the University of South Carolina, where she quickly became a star. Under head coach Dawn Staley, Wilson led the Gamecocks to a national championship in 2017 and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Her performance in college helped her secure the top spot in the 2018 WNBA Draft, where she was selected by the Las Vegas Aces.
However, Wilson’s story is far from just one of basketball success. It is also about how she’s consistently fought to navigate the space as a Black woman in a sport where race and gender intersect in often complex and frustrating ways.
The Weight of Race in Women’s Basketball
A’ja Wilson’s frustration with the undercurrent of race in sports is not without merit. Black athletes, particularly Black women, often find themselves at the center of a complicated set of expectations and stereotypes. In a world that has historically marginalized Black voices, these athletes are tasked with not just excelling in their sport but also with carrying the weight of representation—whether they want to or not.
Historically, women’s sports have received less attention and fewer resources than their male counterparts, but for Black women athletes, the challenges are even more acute. For years, the WNBA was underfunded, undervalued, and often overshadowed by the more commercially popular NBA. On top of that, Black women athletes were often treated differently than their white counterparts, subjected to scrutiny not just for their performance but for their appearance, their mannerisms, and their personalities.
Wilson has been open about the double standard she and other Black women face. “If I show emotion on the court, I’m seen as aggressive,” she has said. “If someone else shows emotion, they’re seen as passionate. It’s subtle, but it’s there.”
The racial dynamic is further complicated by the fact that Black women in sports are often expected to be both physically dominant while maintaining a certain level of “grace” and “decorum” off the court. If they stray too far from these prescribed norms, they risk being labeled as “angry” or “unprofessional,” labels that often come with racial undertones.
A’ja Wilson’s Activism: Speaking Up for Change
While A’ja Wilson’s athletic achievements speak for themselves—she is a two-time WNBA champion and the 2022 WNBA MVP—her advocacy off the court has also become a hallmark of her career. Wilson’s commitment to addressing race and gender disparities is rooted in her personal experiences and her understanding of the broader struggles faced by Black people, particularly women of color, in society.
She is vocal about the need for increased visibility and opportunities for Black women in sports, not just in terms of compensation and media coverage, but also in coaching and leadership roles. In a league where Black women make up the majority of the players, there are still few Black women in coaching or front-office positions.
In 2020, during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and protests surrounding the murder of George Floyd, Wilson used her platform to speak out against systemic racism. She was among the many athletes who used their voices to demand change, both in the world of sports and in society at large.
But Wilson’s advocacy goes beyond simply talking about the issues. She has worked with organizations like the Black Girl Hockey Club, which advocates for racial diversity in hockey, and she’s participated in events that highlight the importance of mental health in the Black community, a cause that is often stigmatized and overlooked.
One of her most notable efforts has been her focus on creating spaces for Black women in sports media. As someone who has been in the public eye for years, Wilson is acutely aware of the challenges Black women face in being seen and heard in these spaces. She’s spoken out about the importance of providing opportunities for Black women to not just be athletes but to shape the narrative, to lead discussions, and to own the stories that are told about them.
The Role of the WNBA in Addressing Race and Gender Inequities
The WNBA, which was founded in 1996, has long been an incubator for activism. From the early days of the league, players like Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Becky Hammon have paved the way for future generations of athletes who have used their platforms to address issues of racial and gender inequality. Wilson is part of this legacy.
However, as much progress as the WNBA has made in promoting gender equality, the league still grapples with racial issues, particularly when it comes to the treatment of Black players. In recent years, the league has been more outspoken about its support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but challenges remain.
One significant challenge for Black athletes in the WNBA is the issue of pay equity. While the WNBA has made strides in recent years to increase players’ salaries and improve working conditions, it remains a point of contention that the women’s league still lags behind the men’s NBA in terms of financial resources. The disparity is particularly stark when comparing the pay of Black female athletes to their male counterparts.
Additionally, while the WNBA has made progress in improving racial equity in some areas, there is still much work to be done in terms of representation in leadership positions. As of now, the league’s front offices, coaching staff, and executive positions are still predominantly white, and there are few Black women in these roles.
Why A’ja Wilson’s Voice Matters
A’ja Wilson’s unapologetic stance on race is part of what has made her one of the most important and influential figures in sports today. She has become a voice for change—not just for Black women in basketball, but for women of color across all sports.
Her willingness to speak out has made her a target for criticism, but it has also garnered her widespread respect. In a society that often demands that Black athletes remain quiet and compliant, Wilson’s candidness serves as a reminder that the fight for racial equality is ongoing, both on and off the court.
In the words of Wilson herself, “We have to keep pushing. If you don’t, you become complacent. And complacency is dangerous.”
The Fight for Justice in Sports
A’ja Wilson’s words resonate deeply in today’s world, where race continues to shape the experiences of athletes, fans, and society at large. By speaking out about the challenges she faces as a Black woman in sports, Wilson not only addresses the immediate issues but also contributes to a broader conversation about race, power, and privilege in America.
The fight for racial justice in sports, particularly women’s sports, is far from over. As long as there are voices like A’ja Wilson’s calling for change, there is hope that the future of sports will be more inclusive, more equitable, and more just.
For now, Wilson continues to lead by example, on and off the court. And as she reminds us, “It’s not just about basketball—it’s about life. And life is always about race.”
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