Serena Williams is the G.O.A.T. and her 12 BET Awards Sportswoman of the Year honors take up just a small portion of her trophy case. The Compton-bred tennis phenom has 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with big sister Venus, and in January of 2020, she won her first Grand Slam AFTER giving birth to her little girl. Off the court, she has given her time and money towards helping decrease the disproportionately high rate of maternal mortality in the Black community.

Allen Iverson, better known as AI, had a 14-season NBA career most notably with the Philly 76ers. His tattoos, cornrows, and gold chains changed the style of NBA players and made him the envy of young Black boys everywhere who saw themselves in him. He also had a mean crossover. Today at 45 years old, AI is an elder statesman, often seen courtside at events like NBA All-Star weekend.

Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, won the BET Sportsman of the Year award three times and ultimately racked up five NBA championships, two MVP titles, and two NBA Finals MVP titles. After retirement, Kobe threw himself into family life with his wife and four daughters. Kobe and his daughter Gianna died earlier this year in a helicopter crash on their way to a sports academy he founded for children. He was forever a Los Angeles Laker.

LeBron James can add his six BET awards to his expansive trophy case. The three-time NBA champ is quite the businessman and philanthropist. In addition to a production company, LeBron also founded a school in his Ohio hometown and the LA Laker is frequently outspoken about political and racial injustice.

During his NBA career, Shaq was known for his thunderous dunks. The 7’1 giant had a friendly rivalry with his teammate Kobe Bryant when they were both on the Lakers and after Shaq left. They considered each other’s kids as their own. Shaq is now a well-respected NBA analyst on TNT and has invested in numerous food ventures.

Venus Williams, big sister to Serena, snagged her own BET Sportswoman of the Year award in 2006. The tennis pro was introduced to the world as a child with beads in her braided hair.  She has seven Grand Slam singles titles, 16 doubles titles, and four Olympic gold medals. The 6’1 athlete founded a lifestyle brand called Eleven.

Candace Parker is the only WNBA player to actually win the BET Sportswoman of the Year honor. Playing with the LA Sparks, Candace has led her team to a WNBA championship. She also has two MVP titles and two gold medals. The Midwest native makes frequent appearances as an NBA/WNBA analyst.

One of the few starting Black quarterbacks, Michael Vick had an explosive impact on college sports and in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. After a stint in prison related to dog-fighting charges, Mike Vick returned to the field with the Eagles and astounded his critics. He has a foundation dedicated to at-risk youth. He is also the only non-NBA player to win Sportsman of the Year.

Whether with the OKC Thunder or the Golden State Warriors, NBA forward Kevin Durant has proven time and time again that he is an elite player. He has two NBA championships, two NBA finals MVP awards, and an NBa MVP title under his belt. Today, he is still balling, but with the Brooklyn Nets.

Gabrielle Douglas, better known as Gabby, captivated the world at the 2012 Olympics when she helped the US win gold at just 16 years old and won the All Around gold medal . She earned another gold medal at the 2016 Olympics. Her life story has been featured as a biopic on Lifetime and she is an author. The 2020 Olympics have been postponed, but we hope to see her then.

The Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry has the second most Sportsman of the Year wins with four. He has a deadly three-point shot and he is known for the game winning/buzzer beating shots. Injuries sidelined him for much of last season, but once the NBA is back up and running (in limited form), he may see more court time.