Compton's Very Own

“They not like us, they not like us, they not like us”. The song that launched a thousand think pieces was personally, one of my favorites last year. I would rap the lyrics over my plants and brag about how much they thrived. Naturally, I know the song by heart and the history behind the song, but I also harp on the gravity of each word of each line. In particular, “from Alondra down to Central, ***** better not speak on Serena. This name drop was intentional and masterful. It was not lost on me then and definitely not now.

Fast forward to the top of 2025, and now that the dust has settled on the Superbowl, it is time to discuss the appearance of who many have deemed the greatest athlete to play any sport, and one of the subjects of "Not Like Us", Compton’s Very Own, Serena Williams. I do not have the wordcount to recount her accolades. Having started the game of tennis when she was very young, her absolute dominance came with those who constantly clamored for her spot, while trying to tarnish her image. What is important to note is the controversy around her decision to “crip” walk in celebration at the London Olympics in 2012.  She recently mentioned that she would have been heavily fined to do it again but was so happy she was free to do it on the biggest stage in the country. A full circle moment for a Black woman who changed sports.

It opens a larger conversation of Black women who are unjustly and unfairly criticized time and time again. Serena is so unproblematic you would think that respect would flow from all directions, but no. People speak on her name, her life, her decisions, without any insight or acknowledgement of the barriers she has overcome and what it takes to be the best in her sport. I mention all the time how she almost died giving birth to her first daughter Olympia, having to loudly proclaim her history with blood clots, while her husband echoed her concerns.

So, if Serena is invited to dance on the main stage, she should take it every single time. She deserves to shine on everyone who resides in the dark. She deserves to be revered and named the GOAT. She deserves to be name-dropped in the best of conversations. And I will stand on that because Black women are always underappreciated. Yes, when it comes to Black women? It does get that serious.

Cover photo via Getty Images