Serena Williams and her sister Venus commemorate the memory of their late sister Yetunde through charitable endeavors motivated by their own encounters with poverty and the gender pay gap.

Venus and Serena Williams have recently launched the Yetunde Price Resourceful Community Awards, a new initiative aimed at supporting organizations making a meaningful impact in their communities. Announced on December 3, the awards are a tribute to their late sister, Yetunde Price, who tragically passed away in 2003. This initiative is part of the Williams sisters’ broader philanthropic efforts, which have been a cornerstone of their legacy, alongside their legendary careers in tennis.

The Yetunde Price Resourceful Community Awards are intended to honor organizations that are demonstrating significant impact in their communities, particularly those affected by trauma. This initiative builds on the work the sisters have already done through the Yetunde Price Resource Center, established in 2017, which provides resources to help community members heal from trauma.

Serena and Venus shared their commitment to using their platform for social change, focusing on key issues such as gender inequality, mental health, women’s health, and access to resources for marginalized communities, including women and people of color. Their announcement emphasized their aim to raise awareness, funds, and provide programming that addresses these disparities.

In addition to their individual accomplishments in tennis—Venus with seven Major singles titles and Serena with 23—both sisters have leveraged their influence to advance causes they are passionate about. They have consistently used their prominence to make a difference both on and off the court.

Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, has also been active in philanthropy, notably pledging $100,000 to support climate change efforts and creating an award to recognize those working to combat environmental issues. Along with Serena and Venus, Ohanian co-founded the Los Angeles Golf Club (LAGC) and launched a program to help revitalize the Maggie Hathaway Course, further exemplifying his dedication to giving back.

The Yetunde Price Resourceful Community Awards mark an exciting expansion of the Williams sisters’ philanthropic footprint, as they continue to honor their sister’s memory while supporting communities in need.