Serena Williams On Her Blackness, Self-Love, Body Image, Racism, And More With Common On #UndefeatedInDepth

Serena Williams sat down with Common for ESPN’s show “The Undefeated In-Depth,” which features meaningful conversations with African-American sports figures who are accomplished in their sport or profession.

The duo have often been vocal about speaking to each other, and out to the public on their achievements and how it feels to receive such gratitude while being black. This  will be part of an ESPN series called “The Undefeated In-Depth: Serena with Common.” “Serena with Common” is the third episode of a series created by the editors of The Undefeated, The one-hour program will featured Williams discussing her career as one of the world’s greatest athletes, the challenge of being an African-American at the top of her sport, coming to terms with her body, her decision to speak up on social issues, and more.

The conversation takes place at a comfortable cafe in Brooklyn, New York. “My mother took me and my godbrother shopping,” says Common. “On the way back, we stopped at this candy store … We walked in, we were getting chips and candy, and this little white kid was going, ‘B-l-a-c-k, b-l-a-c-k.’ ”

He shares more of the painful memory, and then poses a question to Williams.

“So was there a point,” he asks, “where you realized people look at you different because you’re black?” And she answers.

“The Undefeated is ESPN’s multiplatform content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture. The digital hub, TheUndefeated.com, which launched in May 2016, combines innovative long-form and short-form storytelling, investigation, original reporting and provocative commentary to enlighten and entertain African-Americans, as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, culture and related issues.”

Few Excerpts:

• On dealing with body image: “There was a time where I didn’t feel incredibly comfortable about my body, because I felt like I was too strong. And then I had to take a second and think well, who says I’m too strong? This body has enabled me to be the greatest player I can be and I’m not going to scrutinize that. This is great. I mean, this is amazing”

• On scrutiny she faced early in her career: “I just feel like I definitely was scrutinized because I was confident. I am black and I am confident. I would say I feel like I’m good. I feel like I can be number on – Oh no no, you can’t say that.”

   

Watch the full sit down interview below.