Sha’ Carri Richardson and the complexities of white supremacy

Sha’ Carri Richardson is Black Girl Magic personified. The adage that Black people must be twice as good to get half as far has continued to shape how Black women move and exist in predominately white spaces — whether that be corporate America, or on the track field. And Sha ‘Carri wasn’t just good — she was phenomenal. She was a symbolism of authenticity and boldness — defying traditional and Eurocentric standards of beauty and aesthetics. Her fiery orange hair, her outspoken disposition, and her long blinged out nails are a testament to the versatility of Black womanhood and their beauty.

I love the way in which Sha ‘Carri is defining and owning her beauty and the way that she chooses to show up — free and expressive. As Black women, we know that our beauty has always been highly contested and complicated. On one hand, our trends and styles are idolized and appropriated — and then on the other, society condemns our versality and authenticity. Sha’ Carri is breaking the glass ceiling for women of color athletes who want their talent judged over and before their appearance. Sha ‘Carri Richardson isn’t your average athlete — Sha’ Carri is a Black woman superhero — showing and reminding all young Black girls that our existence in predominately white spaces is always and forever an act of resistance.

Seeing Sha ‘Carri Richardson reminds me of 1988 Olympic medalist Florence Griffith Joyner who continuously showed the world that she was a force to be reckoned with. Sha ‘Carri Richardson is only 21 and her orange hair is not the only thing that is catching the public eye-she effortlessly crossed the 100 meters finish line in first place qualifying her for the Tokyo Olympics. For young girls of color, representation matters. The Olympics has a history of exclusion — Olympic athletes are disproportionately white so when a Black woman is an Olympics contender — it matters for young Black girls who are athletes who need to see themselves reflected. In a world that has constantly told Black women to quiet their aspirations — and to not be too boisterous, Sha ‘Carri Richardson gives us all permission to own our talents, our magic, and be loud about it.

This past week — Sha ‘Carri Richardson received attention for something other than her speed. She tested positive for cannabis from…