Serena Williams Talks Racial Inequality, Her Return to Indian Wells & Fighting Illness to Play

She also talked about an encounter she had with a young gas station attendant some years back,

He didn’t want to touch my hand. He told me to put the money down. I found it fascinating that it’s 2000-something and this guy had that attitude toward a black person. I wanted to do things, like, touch this or that, just to see what his reaction would be. I’m almost glad I had that experience, so I can understand more what people have to go through.

On joining the ranks of other black public figures who make their voices known on the subject of racial inequality:

I’ve been a little more vocal but I want to do more. I want to help everyone to see the so-called light. But there are a lot of other athletes, actors, politicians who are speaking out—of all colors, by the way. They’re not sitting back. They’re calling for justice straight away. It makes me look at myself and say, like, What am I doing? I have a platform. I can speak out, too. If one person hears me, maybe that person can speak out and help. I embrace that. I’m willing and happy to be part of this new movement.

-@ATLMJfan87