Two-time Olympic Gold medalist and WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner received an official declaration from Mayor Sylvester Turner that June 6 is Brittney Griner Day in the City of Houston. Unfortunately, however, Brittney will not be able to celebrate this historic achievement because she is currently sitting in a Russian prison. And today, June 7, 2022, marks 111 days since February 17, when Brittney was arrested by Russian officials at the Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly carrying vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage. The U.S. State Department has exclaimed that Griner is being wrongfully detained and will work towards taking steps to assist in her freedom.
Therefore congresswoman of the 18th Congressional District in Texas, Sheila Jackson Lee, spearheaded a unity public rally in downtown Houston on Monday, June 6, to proclaim, “Free Britney Griner Now!” Houstonians and special guests gathered at the Toyota Center to pray, sing, and amplify their voices to support the release of a wife, daughter, teammate and friend who has always represented her community and shared her gifts with others in need. Griner is a native Houstonian who proudly shows love to H-town.
As a special guest, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee introduced former Marine veteran Trevor Reed, who recently came home after being held captive for approximately 985 days in Russia. Reed adamantly spoke about how his family met with President Biden to orchestrate his freedom from Russia via a prisoner exchange and encouraged us all to speak out in favor of gaining the liberty for Brittney and other American citizens that are wrongfully imprisoned. So be it that Brittney is a Black woman representing the LGBTQ+ community, Reed expressed his sentiments that she will endure significant harsh treatment due to her sexuality and skin color.
Amid the bolstering heat, attendees received complimentary water and a reminder that we could go home and get comfortable, yet Brittney does not have this luxury.
The City of Houston brought out many dignitaries, including Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, WNBA Hall of Fame and former Houston Comet Sheryl Swoopes, Former Houston Comet Monica Lamb, San Antonio Silver Stars player Tai Dillard, Basketball Hall of Fame Calvin Murphy, Former Houston Rocket Martyn Bernard “Moochie” Norris, Former Houston Rocket Robert Reid, Houston legendary Hip-Hop Artist Paul Wall, Houston City Council and many others.
Our hope and prayer are that the United States will work expeditiously to deliver Brittney Griner back safely to her homeland. Visit WeAreBG.org to learn how you can support the effort to turn this initiative into a reality.
