The Buzz: On Diversity, Girl Power, and the Final Five at the Rio Olympics

Source: Sports.Yahoo.com

Is it just me, or is this picture of the 2016 U.S.A. Gymnastic Team EVERYTHING?! Not only does their success at this year’s games evoke a sense of Girl Power, but the diversity that is evident among this group is, simply put, beautiful. In the context of a sport that has been historically dominated by white women, often times, and perhaps still, inaccessible to communities of color, it was so amazing to witness (even if it was from my living room couch) diversity (literally) win!

The ‘Final Five,’ as they named themselves, is made up of two black women, Simone Biles (19) and Gabby Douglas (20); one Latina, Laurie Hernandez (16); and two white women Madison Kocian (19) and Alexandra Raisman (22). The majority-minority team, made history this week. In the backdrop of a nation that has recently been plagued by polarization, trauma, xenophobia, racism, religious intolerance, and notions that we somehow need to get back to being “great, again,” the Final Five is symbolic of the greatness we should work towards–a greatness where we aspire to eliminate barriers to success, a greatness where differences and diversity thrive, and a greatness where inclusion and equity become our norm.