Serena Williams and civil rights icon Ruby Bridges to be inducted into National Women’s Hall of Fame

This is a monumental moment!

Two idols, a tennis phenomenon serena williams and civil rights pioneer Ruby Bridges will be included national women’s hall of fame, nbc news Report. Bridges and Williams have been named to the list of 2024 inductees, along with eight other recipients announced this spring.

Both women have made tremendous progress for the world. Williams is a 23-time tennis Grand Slam champion and one of the most decorated athletes of our time.She was also recently awarded First athlete to receive the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America

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Bridges, meanwhile, first made history at age 6 when he became one of the first black students to desegregate schools in New Orleans in 1960. Bridges was depicted in Norman Rockwell’s famous painting The Problem We All Live With. A lifelong activist, Bridges founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation more than 24 years ago to advocate for tolerance and change through education.

“The 2024 inductees have broken barriers, challenged the status quo and made an impact on history,” the Hall of Fame said in the announcement.

The two will join civil rights activist and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, Loretta Ross, founder of the National Center for Human Rights Education in Atlanta, and Dr. Patricia Bass

a pioneering ophthalmologist, and First black female doctor to receive medical patentwho will be awarded posthumously.

“The 2024 inductees include scientists, activists, performers and athletes who are today’s changemakers and an inspiration to the women of tomorrow. Their dedication, drive and talent got them here, and we are thrilled to have them in the national Honoring them on stage,” said Hall of Fame CEO Jennifer Gabriel.

The induction ceremony will be broadcast nationally for the first time.For a complete list of the National Women’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees, click here

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Cover photo: Serena Williams and civil rights icon Ruby Bridges to be inducted into National Women’s Hall of Fame/Photo by Ben Curtis/AFP/Getty Images/The Today Show