PROJECT
BLACK EXCELLENCE
Serena Williams
- Born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan
- One of the greatest tennis players of all time, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles
- Known for her dominance, resilience, and advocacy for gender and racial equality in sports
Micheal Jordan
- Born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York
- Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls
- His influence extends beyond basketball into business and philanthropy
Usain Bolt
- Born on August 21, 1986, in Sherwood Content, Jamaica
- Holds the world records for the 100m and 200m sprints
- Known as the fastest man in the world and an eight-time Olympic gold medalist
Simone Biles
- Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio
- One of the most decorated gymnasts in history with multiple Olympic and World Championship medals
- Advocate for mental health awareness and athlete well-being
LeBron James
- Born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio
- One of the greatest basketball players, winning multiple NBA championships and MVP awards
- Known for his philanthropy and activism in education and social justice
Jackie Robinson
- Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia
- Died on October 24, 1972
- Broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers
- Paved the way for racial integration in professional sports
Wilma Rudolph
- Born on June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee
- Died on November 12, 1994
- Became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games
- Overcame polio as a child to become a world-class sprinter
Kobe Bryant
- Born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Died on January 26, 2020
- Five-time NBA champion and one of the greatest basketball players ever
- Remembered for his Mamba Mentality and contributions to youth sports
Florence Griffith-Joyner
- Born on December 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, California
- Died on September 21, 1998
- Still holds the world records for the 100m and 200m sprints
- Known for her speed, style, and contributions to track and field
Jim Brown
- Born on February 17, 1936, in St. Simons Island, Georgia
- Died on May 18, 2023
- One of the greatest running backs in NFL history
- Also known for his activism in civil rights and social justice
Bo Jackson
- Born on November 30, 1962, in Bessemer, Alabama
- One of the most exceptional multi-sport athletes, excelling in both professional baseball and football
- Won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 as the best college football player
- Played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Raiders and in MLB for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and California Angels
- Known for his extraordinary athleticism, Bo remains the only athlete to be named an All-Star in both MLB and the NFL
Gabby Douglas
- Born on December 31, 1995, in Newport News, Virginia
- A groundbreaking gymnast who made history at the 2012 London Olympics
- Became the first African American woman to win the Olympic all-around gymnastics title
- Helped lead the U.S. women's gymnastics team, "The Fierce Five," to gold in 2012
- Returned to the Olympics in 2016 as part of the "Final Five" and won another team gold