The August Black Woman

08/12/2024

08/11/2024

𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗝𝗢𝗬𝗡𝗘𝗥
(1959-1998)

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗰𝗼𝗻

Florence Delorez Griffith Joyner, born on December 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, was a force to be reckoned with on and off the track. As the seventh of 11 siblings, Flo-Jo grew up in the challenging neighborhood of Watts, raised primarily by her mother. From an early age, her incredible speed became evident—by age seven, she was already sprinting competitively, famously training by chasing jackrabbits in the California desert. 🏃‍♀️💨

After setting records in high school, Joyner initially stepped away from running at 19 to support her family, taking a job as a bank teller. But in 1979, her destiny changed when sprinting coach Bob Kersee spotted her potential and persuaded her to join his training program at UCLA. 🌟

Flo-Jo burst onto the world stage at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she won a Silver Medal in the 100m dash. However, it was her bold fashion choices—think one-legged running suits and vibrantly painted nails—that first caught the public’s eye. That all changed in 1988, when she blazed through the Olympic trials, setting a world record of 10.49 seconds in the 100m dash. She didn't stop there, smashing the 200m world record with a time of 21.34 seconds. Both records still stand today, proving her speed was unmatched. 🏅🔥

Her achievements earned her titles such as the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year and U.S. Olympian Committee Sportswoman of the Year in 1988. Florence was also inducted into the U.S.A. Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995. Beyond the track, she was a celebrated fashion designer, actress, writer, and a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. As former President Bill Clinton put it, "We were dazzled by her speed, humbled by her talent, and captivated by her style." ✨👑

Tragically, Florence Griffith Joyner passed away in her sleep in 1998 at just 38 years old due to an epileptic seizure. Her legacy lives on, with a Los Angeles elementary school renamed in her honor.



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08/11/2024

Let this sink in Sweet L.D from Oaktown 357 turns 60 today……….. Do Juicy still got’em crazy???

08/10/2024

It’s disheartening that one of the world’s most accomplished athletes has to explain why her hair isn’t “flawless” at every moment.

Regardless of their achievements, women are often judged by their appearance. This pressure is especially intense for Black women, who frequently worry about whether their hairstyles will be deemed acceptable in social, educational, and professional settings due to prejudice.

Source

🏃🏾‍♀️

08/10/2024

Another gold 🥇 for USA

08/09/2024

08/09/2024

Raven Saunders' purple and green hair dye was only the second most eye-catching style choice when they lined up for shot put qualification today. Viewers might have been surprised to see Saunders, who goes by they/them pronouns, wearing a black mask that covered them from hairline to jawline, topped off with bronze sunglasses.

But it’s not a first for the American athlete who is known for masks and colorful hairstyles. Saunders, who has been seen wearing masks of "The Hulk" at previous events, has said they can relate to the hero who had difficulty balancing his two sides.

Saunders' long fingernails on their left hand were bedazzled and in Team USA colors and the letters H-U-L-K. Saunders told The Associated Press that turning into "The Hulk" helps them feel like a superhero getting ready to hurl a 8.8-pound hunk of metal. "I had to remind the people, I am who I am," they said.

The 28-year-old American athlete had been vocal about their mental health and LGBTQ rights. After winning silver at the Tokyo Games, Saunders crossed their arms in an X shape, which they explained stood for "the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet." Saunders will take part in the women's shot put on Friday.

Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics on NBC and streaming on Peacock and follow our live coverage: nbcnews.app.link/XiLV0aWRTLb

08/09/2024

That girl isn’t done with just yet 👏🏻

Jordan Chiles announced Thursday that she’s heading back to UCLA to finish out her final two years with the Bruins!

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