The organization Tea Party 4 Black Girls hosted a private screening of the Amazon Prime documentary “Power of the Dream.” The documentary focuses on the social justice efforts the WNBA took from 2016 to 2020 and how their efforts aided Raphael Warnock get a seat in the U.S. Senate.
“Power of the Dream” touched upon the Minnesota Lynx wearing warmup shirts honoring the lives of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. It also talked about how the WNBA dedicated their 2020 season to Breonna Taylor and boycotted games in the wake of Jacob Blake being shot by police.
The documentary featured interviews with WNBPA president and Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon, WNBA legend Sue Bird, and Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams
After the screening, there was a panel discussion with Minnesota Vikings diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator Imani McCormick, consultant Cree Nix, and USC guard Talia von Oelhoffen.
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Tea Party 4 Black Girls founder Bianka Gravillis was the moderator of the panel.
“We came up with the idea to do a private screening and show a bunch of women that are in sports, media, and policy the power that we can have as a collective,” Gravillis said.
Panelists and attendees alike enjoyed the display of unity the WNBA players showed in their acts of protest and conversations about social justice. For some, seeing the WNBA battle for social justice while in the bubble in real time was their introduction to politics.
Nix knew WNBA players who competed during the 2020 season; she noted how the documentary was “powerful.”
“My God sister was playing in the bubble at that time, hearing their experiences firsthand during that time and then seeing the story come together, it’s really cool,” Nix said.
USC guard Dominique Darius felt empowered by the efforts of the WNBPA and enjoyed connecting with other Black women in sports.
“It was really inspiring seeing [Ogwumike] and all the other players that are involved with the WNBPA and how they made such a big change,” Darius said. “That whole film was dedicated on their adversities but also their triumphs and how they overcame.”
Tee Party 4 Black Girls is an organization that provides support and connection for Black women through events.
“We’re two years in now, it’s been amazing,” Gravillis said. “It was always rooted in taking wellness to new heights and holding brands accountable for taking care of Black women.”
“Power of the Dream” can be viewed on Amazon Prime. To learn more about Tea Party 4 Black Girls, please visit https://www.teaparty4blackgirls.com.
