‘Violence Is Not the Answer’ – 13 Years After Losing Sister to Drive-by Shooting, Serena Williams Left Worried for Nephews in a Similar Incident in 2016

Serena Williams isn’t one to shy away from expressing her most vulnerable emotions. And this is not just post-maternity. Williams has always used her platform to create opportunities for seemingly difficult discussions, diving into the issues that most are hesitant to address. Therefore, in 2016, Williams spoke out about a pressing issue that had been a major topic of discussion in the United States. The tennis legend shared her concerns regarding the safety of her family members in light of the then-recent incidents. If an internationally acclaimed sportsperson does not feel safe owing to a series of events, the matter automatically gains worldwide attention.

Her comments came at a time when racial tensions and police violence had again become a significant issue in the United States. Two men in Louisiana and Tennessee succumbed as victims of racial aggression after a protest march in Dallas where a lone gunman open fired, resulting in five casualties and seven injured. Williams expressed feeling threatened under these circumstances in a statement that shook the world.

Serena Williams voiced her vulnerable feelings as a loving aunt

Williams, who has always been an advocate for social justice issues, particularly for Black Lives Matter and women’s rights, bluntly expressed her fears regarding the incidents, according to a report by Reuters in 2016. She confessed to having scary thoughts about the well-being and security of her family, to warn her nephews about the dangers of simply going outside under those circumstances. “I feel anyone in my color in particular is of concern. I do have nephews that I’m thinking, ‘Do I have to call them and tell them, ‘don’t go outside. If you get in your car, it might be the last time I see you?’”, she said.

She shuddered at the thought of how “devastating” it would be to lose them due to the systemic issue of police brutality. She admitted to feeling threatened by the fact that anyone could be in danger.

“That is something that I think is of great concern because it will be devastating. They’re very good kids. I don’t think that the answer is to continue to shoot our young black men in the United States. It’s just unfortunate”, she remarked.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner went on to express her belief that the answer to anything is not violence. “Also, obviously violence is not the answer of solving it. The shooting in Dallas was very sad. No one deserves to lose their life, doesn’t matter what color they are, where they’re from. We’re all human.” Serena’s concern over her nephews was valid after she shockingly lost Yetunde Price, her half sister and personal assistant to a drive-by shooting.

Read more: The Story Behind How Serena Williams’ Sister Was Brutally Murdered and How She Dealt With It

Williams’ comments hit as the society as it still continues to grapple with issues of aggression and gun violence. The recent school shooting in Nashville has once again brought the issue to the forefront and has amplified the need for meaningful change.

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