A Moment to Rejoice – And a Reminder of What’s Possible

The entire team at Breakthrough is ecstatic at the news that seven-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has finally been released from her unjust imprisonment in Russia. After nearly a year of being detained under unimaginably harsh conditions thousands of miles away from her wife, family, friends, teammates and community, Brittney is at last being reunited with her loved ones and, hopefully, beginning the long journey to healing. 

We commend the Biden-Harris Administration’s diligence and diplomacy in securing Brittney’s release, and especially applaud the unwavering efforts of activists and organizers nationwide who have rallied all year in Brittney’s defense. Your relentlessness in bringing awareness to Brittney’s case and sounding the alarm about the dangerous conditions under which she was being held were catalytic forces behind grabbing the attention of those in positions of power to negotiate her safe return. 

As a media justice and narrative change organization committed to the safety and well-being of Black women, girls and gender-expansive people, Breakthrough is deeply encouraged by what this victory demonstrates about what’s possible when community and culture come together to amplify our stories and the issues directly impacting our lives. Let this moment be a lasting reminder that the work to ensure the full safety of all Black women, girls and gender expansive people is well worth the investment of time and resources and should continually be treated as a national and global priority.