The ESSENCE Black Women In Sports Portrait Studio Was A Victory For Black Women In Athletics

The ESSENCE Black Women in Sports Portrait Studio came to life in Vegas as the city was bubbling with excitement ahead of Super Bowl LVIII. The studio stood as a space and a testament to the spirit of Black women in the world of sports.

Our first three honorees; Sandra Douglass Morgan, Dasha Smith, and Kimberly Fields were also honored as Glass Ceiling Breakers during Super Bowl week at the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary. In partnership with the Super Bowl Soulful, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports is proud to honor these trailblazing women.

Nestled within the Greene Street Market at the Palms Casino Resort, the studio was a sanctuary for celebration. A space adorned with the stories of triumph, where Black women in sports were captured in every frame. From pioneers shattering glass ceilings to SHEO’s crushing the business, the studio served as a visual ode to the multifaceted achievements of Black women who are leaving a positive impact on the game.

The ambiance within the studio was electric, echoing the cheers and applause that these women deserved. From the soft hum of conversations to the flashes of cameras capturing the essence of the moment, the atmosphere was alive with the spirit of celebration. 

A platform dedicated to amplifying their voices, acknowledging their achievements, and inspiring the generations that would follow in their footsteps.

The portraits, the laughter, and the camaraderie embodied the strength and empowerment of Black women in sports. In this corner of the Palms, history was not just celebrated; it was made, one portrait at a time.

Meet the women below who are changing the world of sports.