Venus Williams isn’t just a tennis legend—she’s a force far beyond the courts. Over the years, her athletic skills have dazzled fans worldwide, making her a household name. But what keeps her in the spotlight, even when she’s not active on the circuit, is her fearless voice against injustice and discrimination. Williams has always been vocal about her experiences, using her platform to speak out on important issues. However, a good deal might not know that her advocacy is deeply personal. In fact, it stems from something close to home—her own mother, Oracene Price, faced discriminatory situations that Williams has now shed light on.

The 44-year-old engaged in an interaction with CBS News and opened up about several factors. She also deliberated on the equal credit card opportunity that was denied to the American Women for a very long time, and the efforts that the star player is taking to raise awareness against the same.

For the unversed, this year marked the 50th anniversary of when women could get the credit card in their name after the Fair Credit Opportunity Act was passed in 1974. Before this, they needed to have a male counterpart as the co-signee. When quizzed about how important the celebration of this occasion was, Williams shared her true feelings. 

Speaking in the interview, Williams said, “It’s so important. It was six years before I was born can you imagine?” The American star also revealed that even her mother, Oracene Price, witnessed a similar situation. “My mom, you know, not being able to get a credit card having to have a male co-sign with her. It’s really so staggering to think about it.” The situation becomes more ironic when one recalls that Price is a prominent name who actively calls for equal pay and opportunities. 

Williams has often credited her mother for her motivation to speak against the financial injustice on the tennis courts. She called out the discrimination factors in the interview and said, “I also went through that kind of same inequity as well on tennis courts when I got to the Grand Slam. You imagine arriving to Wimbledon and you are not paid the same as the men. So there’s been so much that woman had to fight for.”

Interestingly, women did not receive equal pay in Wimbledon until 2007. The first Grand Slam to introduce this was the US Open in 1973, however, it took more than 3 decades for other organizers to take a lesson. And Williams, who has constantly voiced herself for equal opportunities has contributed yet again. 

Notably, Venus Williams has partnered with SoFi to launch the ‘Give Her Credit’ campaign. This campaign aims to ensure that the next generation of women has financial independence and tools to take control of their future. It also highlights the player has continued to guzzle the lessons of her mother and takes the initiative to date to promote equal opportunities. It is probably for this bond with her mother that the player even credits her for her successful career. 

When Venus Williams revealed her mother’s role in her career

Both Venus Williams and her sister Serena Williams became formidable forces on the courts. They have achieved tremendous success over the years and a big credit behind them goes to their mother Oracene Price, as admitted by the elder Williams sister herself. 

The 44-year-old interacted with the Hamilton College community in May this year and shed light on her mother’s role. When quizzed about the impact of her mother in her life, the star player was quick to respond. “She’s the woman with the values. She’s the grounding force. So without my mom, I don’t think we could have done anything we did in the sport.” Remember, Prices even coached the Williams sisters during her childhood and topped them with some great values like equality. 

During her childhood, Williams has always been open about her mother being a “strong role model” to her. She has also revealed how her mother helped her to think and feel independently growing up. As time passes, it would be interesting to see if the star player reveals more such unknown stories about her mother and if she continues to take a stand for equal opportunities in sports.