Black Women in Sports

Women’s National Football Conference Founder, Odessa “OJ” Jenkins, addresses the needs in the female football space, how she believes the NFL can better support the WNFC and why criticism around women playing tackle football opposes the essence of embracing and expanding women’s sports.

In an exclusive sit-down with Sharí Nycole for Black Women In Sports, Sandra Douglass Morgan outlines how she became President of the Las Vegas Raiders and what bringing Super Bowl LVIII to Las Vegas has meant for the city and surrounding communities.

ESSENCE Black Women In Sports host and producer, Shari Nycole, chats with Sha'Carri Richardson for an Exclusive interview during her ESSENCE Cover Shoot.

In this episode of Off The Court, presented by Ford & ESSENCE Black Women In Sports, Olympic Gold Medalist Sanya Richards-Ross takes us on a journey in her new 2025 Ford Explorer, sharing her inspiring story from track star to philanthropist. Sanya opens up about how her unwavering optimism and willingness to embrace new roads and opportunities have driven her success, both on and off the track.

As head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, Niele Ivey has created an ecosystem of winning, love and legacy. Watch as she breaks down her formula for success in the NCAA, the importance of sisterhood in collegiate basketball and her fashion do’s and don’ts.

In this ESSENCE Black Women In Sports exclusive interview, track and field icon, Allyson Felix, shares the motivations behind her hit footwear brand, Saysh, and the importance of standing in the gap for women in sports through advocacy on and off the track.

Driven by a desire to create greater possibilities and dream big, Arike inspired host Sharí Nycole to dig deep in this exclusive interview. This is your chance to get up close and personal with Arike, discovering how she remains connected to her community, culture, and the court.

Empowerment Speaker, Life Coach and best-selling author, Dr. Sheri Riley, traces the trajectory of her career in the sports space and discusses the mental health needs of athletes.