Whether dazzling fans with record-breaking performances, bringing viewers insightful analysis from the studio, or orchestrating savvy business decisions from behind-the-scenes, Black women have played an integral part to the success of the global sports industry. But, unfortunately, they haven’t always received the recognition they deserve for their success in these roles.
One prominent voice making strides to correct this oversight is the Diverse Representation organization. Founded by Los Angeles-based sports and entertainment attorney Jaia Thomas in 2018, the organization aims to “increase the hiring and exposure of Black agents, attorneys, managers, and publicists in the sports and entertainment industries.” The organization’s website serves as a nationwide directory of talent representation, providing a platform for these individuals whose hard work may otherwise go unnoticed.
In 2023, Thomas and Diverse Representation expanded upon their mission by creating a special day of recognition for the innumerable contributions of Black women to the sports world.
Dubbed National Black Women in Sports Day, July 7 is now dedicated to admiring the achievements of a group that has historically been underrepresented due to both race-based and gender-based discrimination. The day was commemorated with a series of social media posts on all platforms from Black women all over the industry sharing their sports journey and accomplishments with the hashtag #BlackWomenInSports.
Now, Diverse Representation wants to elevate the conversation of Black women in sports to a more permanent stage. Just days before the second anniversary of National Black Women in Sports Day, the organization announced that it will open an art exhibit in Washington, D.C. in March 2025. According to their press release, the year-round display of drawings, photography, digital media and more will “provide a unique opportunity…to foster continued dialogue.”
However, Thomas admits in the press release that Diverse Representation would not be the first organization to develop a tribute to the impressive feats of Black women in sports. So what separates their inaugural exhibit from the rest? Rather than isolating the individual successes of Black women, the array of artwork in this installation aims to highlight their cumulative talent.
In Thomas’ own words, “there has never been an exhibit celebrating the collective accomplishments of Black women in sports, especially the accomplishments of those behind-the-scenes – agents, attorneys, coaches, journalists, and executives.
In a year when women’s sports have exploded in popularity, it would be a mistake to overlook the indispensable role of Black women in this shift—the players, the coaches, the journalists, the agents and the executives alike. If there’s one theme to glean from Diverse Representation’s forthcoming art installation, it is the undeniable power of community. From the exhibit Thomas calls a “collective” to the website she describes it as a “hub,” where the emphasis on connectivity is pervasive.
Beginning on Sept. 1, artists may submit proposals to Diverse Representation’s website to be featured in this one-of-a-kind exhibit. For more information, continue to follow the hashtag #blackwomeninsports to stay connected to Diverse Representation’s fight for diversity and inclusion.
