Serena Williams won this year’s NAACP Jackie Robinson Sports Award as the tennis great followed in her footsteps Michael Jordan and LeBron Jamesadmitting she was “incredibly happy” to receive the honour.

The 41-year-old, who won 23 Grand Slams in a 27-year career from 1995 to 2022, received the prize in Pasadena, California, on Saturday. The award is given to athletes “who have contributed to social justice through their creative efforts.”

It was discontinued after 1999 and revived in 2017 for LeBron James. Williams became the 10th athlete to win the award, which was first won in 1988 by three-time Olympic champion and track and field star Wilma Rudolph.

“I am incredibly honored to be one of the biggest names in modern culture, honoring those who advance justice through creative endeavors,” Williams said at the ceremony.

“Together we are a team of trailblazers and we represent what is possible when you truly believe in yourself and your potential and follow your life and passion.”

Serena Williams received the NAACP Jackie Robinson Award in Pasadena, California on Saturday

Considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Williams won 23 Grand Slam titles

Williams retired from professional tennis last year. Considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, the one-time WTA No. 1 singles player has held the No. 1 singles title for 319 weeks, including an overall record of 186 consecutive weeks, and has finished at No. 1 at the end of the year five times.

Williams also won 73 professional tournaments, the most by a player in the Open Era and second all-time.

In addition to winning four Olympic gold medals as well as 13 Grand Slam doubles titles, the Florida native is the only player, male or female, to win the Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.

Williams now joins James and Stephen Curry as the only three athletes to win the award in the 21st century.

Other recipients from the 20th century include: Michael Jordan in 1999; NFL great Jim Brown in 1997; College Football Hall of Famer Eddie Robinson in 1996; Lakers legend Magic Johnson; and MLB catcher Roy Campanello and rowing star Anita DeFrantz in 1990.

Boxer Sugar Ray Robinson and track and field legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee were also honored in 1988.

WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury Center Brittney Griner was also honored with the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, although she was not formally awarded. She was recognized and asked to come on stage by the host Queen Latifah.

Griner, who has played professionally in Russia since 2014, was returning to the country last February when she was stopped at Moscow airport with what authorities say were vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.

Griner was eventually convicted in August and sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison. A subsequent appeal was dismissed in October.

She was sent to a penal colony in Mordovia, a region known for its harsh prison system.

President Joe Biden secured her release in December in a prisoner swap that sent arms dealer Viktor Bout back to Moscow. She was detained in Russia for 10 months.

WNBA star Brittney Griner (left) was also honored at the ceremony. Seen with Queen Latifah (right)