Bubba Wallace rose to fame in 2020 as NASCAR's only black full-time racer. In addition to his talents on the race track, he has used his platform to speak out against racism, advocate for the underrepresented and support the ongoing Black Live Matter movement.
Naomi Osaka refuses to let anything kill her drive. Not only is she a fierce competitor on the tennis court, but she made waves earlier this year when she decided to take a stand against police brutality. Osaka won her third Grand Slam crown in New York, wearing the name of a different victim of racial discrimination on her face mask in every single round.
LeBron James is one of the best players to ever step on the basketball court. He's also just as influential off the court. Since launching his LeBron James Family Foundation in 2008, he's advocated for education in underserved communities, spoken out against police brutality and racism in America and promoted equality. IN 2020 alone, he's helped families struggling during the coronavirus pandemic and supported the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement.
Serena Williams put tennis on the map and made a name for herself as one of the greatest athletes to ever live. The acclaimed tennis player's 23 Grand Slam singles titles marks the record for the most Grand Slam wins in the Open Era. She also played in the Australian Open while pregnant. The Florida native uses her fame to speak out against inequality and racism.
Michael Jordan is one of the most prominent sports figures in the history of the world. Since retiring from the game officially in 2003, he has found ways to stay active and involved in the community. With his touching documentary The Last Dance, Jordan's fierce work ethic and inspiring story have once again proved why he's the OG game changer.
Simone Biles is a gymnast extraordinaire! Last year, the gymnast became the first female athlete to perform a triple-double during competition. It was this move along with the rest of her stellar performance throughout the U.S. Gymnastic Championships that earned Biles her 6th all-around gymnastics title. The five-time Olympic medalist has also bravely spoken out about the abuse she suffered from USA Gymnastics physician, Larry Nassar, and is working to create change in the sport for future generations.
Russell Wilson is so much more than just an incredible football player, doting husband and dad. He's also extremely generous and tries to find productive ways to give back. The athlete started the Why Not You foundation which strives to create real and lasting change in the world by motivating, empowering and preparing today's youth to be tomorrow's leaders. He's also spoken out against racism in solidarity with the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement.
Sabrina Ionescu is a WNBA standout player. The athlete has remained both an inspiration to young women on the court and off. She was a mentee of the late NBA star Kobe Bryant, and she became the first Division I player (male or female) to reach 2,000 points, 1,000 assists and 1,000 rebounds, which she dedicated to Bryant.