Natasha Cloud and Fellow WNBA Players Advocate for Social Justice Amidst Shifting Political Landscape
WNBA star Natasha Cloud, a champion both on and off the court, has once again stepped into the arena of social justice, voicing her concerns about the current political climate and advocating for change. This week, Cloud publicly defended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives following President Donald Trump’s recent order to eliminate several government programs centered around these principles. Her stance comes as part of a broader wave of activism within the WNBA, with players like her Connecticut Sun teammate DiJonai Carrington also using their platforms to address pressing social and political issues.
Cloud’s comments to The Associated Press highlight her belief that systemic inequalities remain deeply entrenched in American society. "The systems of power are working as they always were intended to work," she asserted, arguing that these systems historically prioritize the interests of a specific demographic: "White men." She passionately called for dismantling a structure she believes perpetuates inequity and puts profit above the well-being of the population.
This isn’t the first time Cloud has spoken out against perceived injustices. Back in May 2024, she took to social media to express her frustration with the rising cost of living in the United States, urging Americans from all backgrounds to unite and demand change. Her message was direct and unfiltered, using strong language to convey the sense of urgency she felt. "At some point we gotta put our differences aside and understand WE ARE ALL GETTING f—–. & idk about yall im tired of this s—. Everybody can eat. They just make us think everyone eating means someone’s taking from your plate. A lie. Our government been taking all OUR food," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Cloud’s frustration extended beyond partisan lines. She explicitly addressed both Republicans and Democrats, emphasizing that the issues she raised transcended political affiliation. She also made it clear that her concerns were not limited to any particular race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Her post served as a call to action for anyone feeling the economic squeeze, urging them to fight for themselves, their families, and future generations. She cited examples such as the struggle to afford retirement, the exorbitant cost of life-saving medications like insulin, and the burden of crippling student loan debt as reasons for collective action.
Notably, Cloud tagged prominent political figures, including the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, former President Joe Biden, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, in her post, indicating her intention to hold those in power accountable for addressing issues such as inflation and the national minimum wage.
Cloud’s activism is not a recent phenomenon. In 2020, she made the significant decision to sit out the entire WNBA season to dedicate her time and energy to community reform efforts and to participate in the George Floyd protests. This demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and a willingness to sacrifice her career for the sake of her principles. During that same year, she also actively used her social media platforms to advocate for the use of WNBA arenas as polling locations, seeking to improve access to voting and promote civic engagement.
Now, as a member of the Connecticut Sun, Cloud is part of a team environment that appears to foster and encourage political activism. Her teammate, DiJonai Carrington, has also been vocal about her political views, attracting both support and criticism for her actions. In January, Carrington sparked controversy by wearing an anti-Trump shirt, a visual statement that made her stance on the current administration unequivocally clear.
A week later, Carrington issued a call to action to her fellow WNBA players, urging them to leverage their platform to address the pressing social and political issues of the day. "We see that some of the policies are already going into action, and, of course, that means that as the WNBA and being at the forefront of a lot of these movements, its time for us to also take action," Carrington stated.
She specifically highlighted concerns about women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights, suggesting that these were areas where immediate action was needed. "It definitely needs to happen as women, women’s rights being taken away, like, now, LGBTQ rights being taken away now. They havent happened yet, but definitely in the works," she explained.
The activism displayed by Cloud, Carrington, and other WNBA players reflects a growing trend among athletes to use their platform to advocate for social change. In an era of increased social awareness and political polarization, athletes are increasingly feeling a responsibility to speak out on issues they care about, even at the risk of facing backlash from fans, sponsors, or even their own leagues.
The WNBA, in particular, has long been recognized as a league where players are empowered to express their views and engage in activism. This culture of social consciousness may be attributed to the league’s diverse player base and its strong connection to the communities it serves.
As President Trump’s second term unfolds, it remains to be seen how the activism of WNBA players like Cloud and Carrington will impact the political landscape. However, their unwavering commitment to social justice serves as a powerful reminder that athletes can be more than just entertainers; they can be influential voices for change. The courage to speak out and challenge the status quo, even in the face of adversity, can inspire others to do the same and contribute to a more just and equitable society. The willingness to use their platforms for advocacy reflects a growing awareness of the power and responsibility that comes with fame and influence, signifying a shift towards athletes embracing their roles as agents of change.
