Serena Williams Is the Equality Warrior We Need

When asked to comment about these remarks at the end of the forum, Williams said, "The day that I stop fighting for equality, and for people that look like you and me, will be the day that I'm in my grave." This, of course, led to overwhelmingly positive reactions and praises for our one true tennis queen and equality warrior.

Serena Williams doesn't plan to stop fighting for equality. pic.twitter.com/tjxCD7VofP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 13, 2019

Final question @serenawilliams was asked today:

"Views you should stop thinking about being a celebrity and fighting for equality to focus on tennis?"

SW: "The day I stop fighting for equality, and for people who look like you and me? Will be the day I'm in my grave." #GirlBye pic.twitter.com/hRNBxRet0R

— Ravinder Hunia (@RavMarie16) July 13, 2019

But many are also pointing out how the reporter had taken Billie Jean King's comment out of context.

Back in June, twelve-time Grand Slam champion King gave some advice to the 37-year-old athlete. "She's got a baby, she's trying to help gender equity, particularly women of color," she pointed out. "But it makes it much harder. I would like her to put everything else aside, because she's got people working on those things. I wish she would just make a commitment for the next year-and-a-half to two years and say, I'm going to absolutely focus on what's necessary for my tennis, so when I look in the mirror when I'm older then I can go back in my mind and know I gave it everything I had."

Still, King said, "If she's happy doing it this way, then that's fine. It's whatever makes her happy - it's not about us."

Seems like BJK’s comments came from the launch of the new Fed Cup format.

She doesn’t say Serena should necessarily give things up, just to put them on hold for a bit. But the choice was obviously hers. https://t.co/qsj08rgtGa

— Tracey (@MzCaledonia) July 13, 2019

Also Billie Jean King never said Serena should stop being a celebrity & fighting for equality for a year and focus on tennis. Here’s what she actually said pic.twitter.com/gPPb3loeFH

— Sophia Loren (@Sophia_Loren89) July 13, 2019

the press person reduced a longer, thought-out interview from BJK to a simple "talking point" question.

at the same time, love BJK, but wish she didn't give the slightest to cover for questioning serena's commitment to tennis https://t.co/1wDHp8wbPr

— DT3 (@dabigjoker) July 13, 2019

BJK took to Twitter to address claims that she wants Williams to stop fighting for equality. She wrote, "I would never ask anyone to stop fighting for equality. In everything she does, Serena shines a light on what all of us must fight for in order to achieve equality for all."

I would never ask anyone to stop fighting for equality. In everything she does, Serena shines a light on what all of us must fight for in order to achieve equality for all.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 13, 2019

Image via Getty