Today In Black History: Two African-American Women Break Barriers in Pro Sports
Aja Smith has made sports entertainment history becoming the WWE’s first full-time African-American female referee. She is a familiar face in the ring, as a past wrestler with two championships.
For Aja Smith, a dream has now become history. https://t.co/3MODmf0dVx
— WWE (@WWE) February 6, 2020
The WWE caught Smith’s reaction to the news on camera with the new ref saying “This is the greatest moment of my life. Having this platform as a female, as a female of color, is really an honor and I’m so thankful for this moment.” (Source: CNN)
Meanwhile, Jennifer King, who served as a Carolina Panthers intern during the 2017 preseason, has joined the Washington Redskins’ staff as a full-time assistant coach.
Redskins head coach Ron Rivera said in the team’s release, “Her familiarity with my expectations as a coach and my firsthand knowledge of her work ethic and preparation were big factors in bringing her to the Redskins.” (Source: Bleacher Report)
Jennifer King to become first full-time African American female coach in NFL with Washington Redskins, per @InstantRHIplay
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2020
King worked on Ron Rivera’s staff in 2017 as a coaching intern and was most recently on Dartmouth College’s staff as an offensive assistant. pic.twitter.com/Vr47yLYJOk
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