Naomi Osaka is the epitome of Black Girl Magic

22-year-old Naomi Osaka just won her 2nd U.S. Open title. Not only is Naomi an amazing and powerful athlete, but she is unafraid to use her platform for racial justice.

During the series, Naomi arrived at each of her seven matches wearing masks bearing the names of Black people unjustly killed by cops and white civilians. She says that the last six months of social unrest has made her stronger and more determined. 

“It made me stronger because I had more desire to win, because I want to show more names, and I want people to talk about it more.”

Early on in the series, the parents of Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery sent Naomi messages to thank her for using her platform to raise awareness.

“I’m not sure what I would be able to do if I was in their position but I feel like I’m a vessel at this point, in order to spread awareness,” Osaka said. “It’s not going to dull the pain, but hopefully I can help with anything that they need.”

Naomi has such a long career ahead of her, and has both the talent and courage to use her growing platform mechanism for change.