Black Spin Global, a prominent podcast that showcases black excellence in the realm of tennis, has been bestowed with The Media Award at the Tennis Black List 2024 event held at the National Tennis Centre. This prestigious award acknowledges exceptional tennis journalism, broadcast, audio, digital, and written excellence, thus bringing well-deserved recognition to hosts Eugene Allen and Lucy Tezangi.
The hosts conveyed their appreciation and enthusiasm for being part of this celebration of black excellence within the realm of sport. Tezangi underscored the significance of being in a space where individuals of similar background are achieving great things, while Allen stressed the necessity for increased representation within the industry. He highlighted the platform’s pivotal role in offering more diverse coverage of the sport, exceeding mere recognition of their own achievement.
The event, which convened at the National Tennis Centre, united prominent figures within the black and mixed black heritage community in the sport of tennis. This annual celebration, supported by the LTA, Barclays, and YC Sports, aims to acknowledge contributions at all levels of the game, from grassroots to professional levels nationally and internationally.
Inspired by the successful Football Black List and Rugby Black List, the founding of the Tennis Black List aimed to celebrate black excellence in tennis and inspire the next generation within the community. The award ceremony recognized outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations across eight categories, serving as an inspiring demonstration of black excellence in the sport.
Eugene Allen, the visionary founder of Black Spin Global, established the platform in 2019 with the objective of spotlighting black figures in the sport. In addition to conducting exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and journalists, the Black Spin Global podcast was launched a year later, culminating in their well-deserved reception of The Media Award, presented by Sky Sports Tennis lead commentator Jonathan Overend.
The organizers of the Tennis Black List underscored the event’s inspirational and celebratory nature, emphasizing the remarkable embodiment of excellence displayed by the black and mixed-black heritage communities within the world of tennis. They articulated their dedication to building a community that provides opportunities and access to the sport, uniting efforts to dismantle barriers and inspire others.
The Chief Executive of LTA, Scott Lloyd, lauded the 2024 winners as genuine role models, underscoring the significance of celebrating success and showcasing diverse role models within the sport. He reaffirmed the LTA’s vision for tennis to be inclusive and inspiring to all, recognizing the powerful impact of celebrating the success of role models in encouraging more people to engage in the sport.
The recognition of Black Spin Global at the Tennis Black List represents a significant milestone in celebrating diversity and excellence within the tennis community. It signifies a stride towards a more inclusive and representative industry, inspiring future generations to partake in the sport.