Caitlin Clark’s recent comments on using her platform to “elevate Black women” during a December 11 interview with Time magazine have sparked widespread discussion in American media. The Indiana Fever superstar’s remarks have been dissected from various angles, but until now, few voices from within the WNBA community have weighed in.
That changed on Sunday when Temi Fagbenle, a former teammate of Clark’s on the Indiana Fever and now a member of the Golden State Valkyries following the WNBA Expansion Draft, shared her perspective on social media.
Through a series of thoughtful posts, Fagbenle defended Clark while also addressing the broader implications of discussing race and privilege in America.
Fagbenle’s Support for Clark
Fagbenle began her message by unequivocally supporting Clark’s ability to speak about white privilege without it diminishing her own achievements.
“Let me make this clear: CC can speak about having white privilege without hating herself. CC can acknowledge THE REALITY of race disparities without pandering to any group. CC can celebrate the GIANTS who have come before her, without diminishing her own HISTORIC accomplishments,” Fagbenle wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Her words highlighted the nuanced balance Clark achieved in her interview—acknowledging systemic disparities while taking pride in her own groundbreaking success in women’s basketball.
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Addressing Race and Denial
Fagbenle didn’t shy away from confronting the broader societal dynamics that often arise when race is discussed in the United States. She noted how defensive reactions can derail meaningful conversations.
“I think most people know this…it’s just a select group trying to twist things. The US’s race issue is so ingrained that I believe a majority of them don’t even think they are twisting anything. The immediate response to anyone talking about how race affects anything is denial,” she continued.
Her commentary shed light on the challenges of engaging in discussions about race in a way that fosters understanding rather than fueling division.
A Call for Respectful Dialogue
Fagbenle emphasized the importance of having open and respectful conversations about race, pointing out that progress is only possible when such discussions are approached with a genuine intent to understand.
“This is a great opportunity for some respectful conversations about race in the US. However, the convos will only be beneficial if there are no racists or prejudiced people involved. We must first converse to understand, not to be right. Next step is working together to make a change,” she wrote.
Acknowledging the long history of systemic inequities, Fagbenle recognized that there are no quick fixes but expressed hope for collective progress.
“It’s been hundreds of years of this BS. Ain’t no quick fix. But if the majority of people band together working towards the same goals, the (racist and prejudiced) stragglers will be left behind and forced to adapt. Just like in team sports :)”
A Relationship Built on Respect
Clark and Fagbenle clearly forged a strong bond during their time as teammates on the Fever. Fagbenle’s public defense of Clark and her remarks reflects not just camaraderie but also a shared understanding of the importance of leveraging their platforms for good.
Clark’s comments, which highlighted the role her privilege plays in her ability to support Black women in the sport and beyond, struck a chord with Fagbenle. By weighing in, Fagbenle added depth and insight to the ongoing conversation, reinforcing the potential for sports to spark meaningful dialogue about societal issues.
A Step Toward Progress
The discourse surrounding Clark’s remarks underscores the complexities of discussing race and privilege, particularly in a country with deeply entrenched racial dynamics. Fagbenle’s thoughtful response serves as a reminder of the value of empathy, collaboration, and dialogue in addressing these challenges.
While there is no easy path to change, athletes like Clark and Fagbenle are demonstrating that sports can be a powerful platform for fostering awareness, understanding, and progress.
