Over 50 years ago, in 1972, tennis legend Billie Jean King led the fight for equal prize money for both sexes at the US Open. Now, celebrating its 50th anniversary, the trailblazing effort continues, and King was there to celebrate the milestone.
Related story
Insiders Are Allegedly ‘Begging’ Michelle Obama to Make This Major Political Move
“While we celebrate today, our work is far from done,” King said in a speech at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the Aug 28 opening ceremony of this year’s US Open, per Associated Press. “Struggle is a never-ending process,” she continued, echoing a quote from Coretta Scott King. “Freedom is never really won. You earn it and you win it in every generation.”
King’s impactful speech was followed by a surprise appearance by Michelle Obama, who honored of the tennis and equal rights icon. “Let us remember, all of this is far bigger than a champion’s paycheck,” the former First Lady said in her speech. “This is about how women are seen and valued in this world. We have seen how quickly progress like this can be taken away if we are not mindful and vigilant [and] if we do not keep remembering and advocating and organizing and speaking out and, yes, voting.”
So, in honor of the history-making competition, we’re compiling all the celebrities who showed up in the stands. Whether they attended to cheer for the players, have a fun date night, or anything in between, check them all out below!
Barack & Michelle Obama
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images After giving her speech, Michelle Obama was joined by her husband, former President Barack Obama, as they watched American player Coco Gauff win her first game in the tournament.
Sara Bareilles
Image Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images “Love Song” singer Sara Bareilles performed in the competition’s opening ceremony in this yellow leopard wrap dress.
Billie Jean King
Image Credit: Jackson Lee/GC Images Billie Jean King looked as happy as ever as she took the stage to celebrate 50 years of equal prizes.
Katie Couric
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images Katie Couric also made the event date night as she was joined by her husband John Molner in the stands.
Hilaria & Alec Baldwin
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images Controversial couple Hilaria and Alex Baldwin also tuned in for the match.
Danny Devito
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images Danny Devito might not look too impressed, but the actor was right in the first row of the game.
Jamie Chung & Bryan Greenberg
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images The US Open also became date night for actors Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg.
Vera Wang & Anna Wintour
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images The audience of the US Open was immediately more fashionable when fashion designer Vera Wang and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour took their seats. What a duo!
Rosie Perez
Image Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Maestro Dobel Tequila The Flight Attendant star Rosie Perez smiled for the cameras while enjoying the game with a friend.
Maria Sharapova
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images Former tennis star Maria Sharapova lit up the stadium in this incredible bright orange suit.
Dr. Ruth
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images Sex therapist Dr. Ruth was ultra-tuned in as she watched the games.
Seal
Image Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Maestro Dobel Tequila The singer Seal posed with tennis player Rastislav Relic before the beginning of a match.
Source: Read Full Article