Commentary

Outrage After Sha’Carri Richardson, Other Black Women Banned from Participating in Tokyo Olympics

Social media users, media pundits, and celebrities rushed to Richardson’s defense, noting that marijuana is legal in many states anyway and using the hashtag #LetHerRun.

Published

4 years ago

July 10, 2021

Christy Price

Sha’Carri Richardson/Sports Illustrated

The Olympics and its governing bodies are being accused of discriminating against Black women after several Black women athletes — nearly all of whom were expected to excel in their competitions — have been disqualified from participating in the Tokyo games in recent months.

The outcry hit its peak last week after Sha’Carri Richardson, the 21-year-old Black track star who shot to fame last month as the “fastest woman in America,” was suspended from competing for one month after testing positive for using marijuana. Richardson did not test positive for any performance enhancement drugs, and said she used marijuana after learning that her biological mother had died.

Social media users, media pundits, and celebrities rushed to Richardson’s defense, noting that marijuana is legal in many states anyway and using the hashtag #LetHerRun. A petition on MoveOn.org gained nearly half a million signatures. And Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez even wrote a letter to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency urging the organization to reverse its decision suspending Richardson.

But Richardson confirmed on Twitter that she will not be competing in this year’s Olympics.

“I’m sorry I can’t be y’all Olympic Champ this year,” she said July 3, “but I promise I’ll be your World Champ next year.”

Other Black women have also been barred — and even swimwear used by Black women.

Two Namibian sprinters, Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, both 18 years old, were ruled ineligible to compete in some races at the Tokyo Olympics because of naturally high testosterone levels. The Olympics’ governing body requires athletes’ blood testosterone levels to be below a designated level to compete in certain women’s events.

That rule has also impacted Olympic champion Caster Semenya of South Africa and CeCe Telfer, a Black transgender woman athlete who is Jamaican-American. Semenya was barred from running in any mid- to long-range race after World Athletics ruled in 2018 that women with naturally high testosterone levels must take medication to reduce them to compete in those races. Semenya has refused and is challenging the ruling.

Last week, just after swimmer Alice Dearing became the first Black woman to qualify to represent England in the open-water marathon, the governing body for aquatics sports barred the use of swim caps designed for natural hair in international competitions. The body is now reviewing its decision after receiving international pushback.

“So, Sha’Carri can’t run because of marijuana, multiple African runners can’t run because their T levels are “too high,” and swim caps for Afro hair have been banned. Anyone else see a pattern here?” one Twitter user said.

“Good morning and Happy Friday to everyone except the Olympic Committee for banning Sha’Carri Richardson for weed while Michael Phelps weed-coughs gold medals,” another said, noting that Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was also caught using marijuana.

Another user called the disqualifications an example of white men deciding whose womanhood is good enough.

While Richardson, won’t compete until next year, Mboma and Masilingi will compete in some races this summer, but not all.

Christy Price

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Published

3 days ago

January 2, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Activism

Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

Oakland Post

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Activism

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson — Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More

Her rise has also included several historic firsts: she is the only Black woman ever appointed to lead the influential Assembly Transportation Committee, and the first freshman legislator elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She has also been a vocal advocate for vulnerable communities, becoming the first California legislator to publicly discuss being the parent of a transgender child — an act of visibility that has helped advanced representation at a time when political tensions related to social issues and culture have intensified.

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). File photo.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.

She represents the state’s 11th Assembly District, which spans Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

California Black Media spoke with Wilson about her successes and disappointments this year and her outlook for 2026.

What stands out as your most important achievement this year?

Getting SB 237 passed in the Assembly. I had the opportunity to co-lead a diverse workgroup of colleagues, spanning a wide range of ideological perspectives on environmental issues.

How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians this year?

The Black Caucus concentrated on the Road to Repair package and prioritized passing a crucial bill that remained incomplete during my time as chair, which establishes a process for identifying descendants of enslaved people for benefit eligibility.

What frustrated you the most this year?

The lack of progress made on getting Prop 4 funds allocated to socially disadvantaged farmers. This delay has real consequences. These farmers have been waiting for essential support that was promised. Watching the process stall, despite the clear need and clear intent of the voters, has been deeply frustrating and reinforces how much work remains to make our systems more responsive and equitable.

What inspired you the most this year?

The resilience of Californians persists despite the unprecedented attacks from the federal government. Watching people stay engaged, hopeful, and determined reminded me why this work matters and why we must continue to protect the rights of every community in our state.

What is one lesson you learned this year that will inform your decision-making next year?

As a legislator, I have the authority to demand answers to my questions — and accept nothing less. That clarity has strengthened my approach to oversight and accountability.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians are facing currently?

Affordability and access to quality educational opportunities.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?

Advance my legislative agenda despite a complex budget environment. The needs across our communities are real, and even in a tight fiscal year, I’m committed to moving forward policies that strengthen safety, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for the people I represent.