Over the weekend, retired NBA player Dwyane Wade and his actress wife Gabrielle Union were honored with the prestigious Presidents Award from the NAACP at the 54th annual NAACP Image Awards.
The couple was honored for being transgender rights activists. Dwyane won a court victory over his ex-wife Sioghvaughn Funches last week. A judge granted his petition for a legal name and gender change for his child, Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade, who came out at age 11.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Dwyane said, “We stand up here today as 2 people who have worked tirelessly to have resources and access. As 2 people willing to use our microphones for what we believe and what other families are going through.”
He continued:
“I’m intentional when I use my platform. I recognize what I’ve been given. It is my job to uplift the voices of others and share my access and resources. I want to take this moment to publicly speak to our daughter Zaya. Zaya, as your father, all I’ve wanted to do is get it right. I’ve sat back and watched how gracefully you’ve taken on the public scrutiny. Even though it’s not easy, I’ve watched you walk out of that house every morning as yourself.”
As Dwyane spoke, his wife, Gabrielle, was antsy and anxious to speak. When she finally got her chance at the podium, she paid respect to the NAACP — “an organization that has led us through over a century of relentless challenge, pain, triumph and change. And now stands with us again at the foot of a very new era of activism.”
Gabrielle’s voice took on an urgent tone as she demanded to know if Black people will fight “for all of our people?”
Gabrielle made it clear that she believes Black rights and transgender rights are intersected.
“Even as we demand equality at the top of our lungs, we consistently fail to extend our advocacy to protect some of our most vulnerable among us,” she said, referring to transgender individuals.
Gabrielle said Black transgender people are being hunted and terrorized in this country. She said she and Dwyane will do everything to help trans people be seen and be safe.
She concluded: “We are hopeful that we may witness a real shift in the fight for justice: the moment the movement makes room for everyone. Everyone.”
Question: Is Gabrielle correct when she says Black rights and transgender rights are the same?
Watch the video below.
It's the Black love for me! ? Round of applause to @DwyaneWade and @itsgabrielleu on taking home President's Award! ? pic.twitter.com/qIxbFerodr
— BET (@BET) February 26, 2023
