Coco Gauff is once again shedding light on a crucial issue. Inspired by her grandmother, Gauff not only treats fans to powerful tennis on a regular basis but utilizes her platform to bring significant social issues to light. She has been talking about the Sonya Massey tragedy recently and highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and action on the critical problem of racism that never seems to go away.

Footage of a sheriff’s deputy shooting and killing 36-year-old Black woman Sonya Massey in her Illinois home went viral and stunned the country earlier this month. With only 14 months of experience under his belt, the deputy had arrived at Massey’s home after she had called 911 for help and exited with a suspended enforcement certificate and a murder charge.

Coco Gauff took to her Instagram account to share a post regarding Sonya Massey’s last words, “Ok, I’m sorry,” echoing with heartbreaking and underscoring the tragic injustice of her death. She sought help, not to harm, believing somebody was in her house and calling the police as a natural course of action.

While Gauff didn’t add any caption but just a plain repost, her message was clear. The young American star has frequently worried her parents over the bold stands she takes on matters of the public.

In May 2024, Gauff also spoke on her home state of Florida reportedly banning books, “We aren’t happy with the current state of our government in Florida, especially everything with the books and just the way our office operates.” 

But here is a compelling story behind Coco Gauff’s vocal and active presence on social media regarding various important concerns. And her name is Yvonne Lee Odom.

Coco Gauff’s reasons her vocalness: ‘Why I use my platform’

The reigning US Open champion utilizes social media to express her views, raise awareness, and motivate people around her. The bravery and tenacity of her maternal grandmother have greatly influenced her advocacy. Ruby Bridges, a civil rights activist, integrated Seacrest High School, and her grandmother was the first black student to enroll there.

Reflecting on her grandmother’s impact, Gauff said, “I think she’s probably ‘the’ sole or one of the main reasons why I use my platform the way that I do and why I feel so comfortable speaking out…For those who don’t know, she was the first Black person to go to what was then called Seacrest High School. That happened, like, six months after Ruby Bridges did her integration. She had to deal with a lot of…racial injustice.”

This family legacy of bravery and activism drives Gauff’s commitment to making a difference. By drawing attention to Massey’s terrible police shooting, Gauff promotes justice and structural change, in addition to paying tribute to her memory. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the tragic awareness? Do let us know in the comment section below.