Some 54 years after helping pass Title IX, Billie Jean King’s advocacy continues
For Billie Jean King, the fight for Title IX continues. Some 54 years after the passage of the landmark legislation that banned discrimination in any education program or activity that…
Billie Jean King, a pioneer who helped pass Title IX 54 years ago, continues her advocacy for women's sports and equity today. The landmark legislation, which banned discrimination in federally funded education programs, has paved the way for the growth of women's professional sports leagues such as the WNBA, National Women's Soccer League, and Professional Women's Hockey League.
Billie Jean King, who had a stellar tennis career with 39 Grand Slam titles, reflected on how the professional aspect of women's sports has begun to materialize, enabling young athletes to envision themselves as champions. However, King expressed concern about maintaining these girls in sports at the grassroots level, as they navigate the challenges of college sports where name, image, and likeness deals often favor top athletes in football and basketball.
Despite the current challenges, King remains committed to supporting young people through sports, education, and activism, running a foundation named after her and co-founding the Women's Sports Foundation in 1974. She recently joined forces with Dove's Body Confident Collective, alongside other athletes like Mia Hamm and South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, to help young girls stay engaged in sports.
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