Chicago, IL – Angel Reese is no stranger to speaking her mind, and this time, she’s taking a stand against what she sees as a glaring example of racial inequality in sports. After her request for a 10-foot statue in Chicago was denied, Reese did not hold back, calling the decision “blatant racism” and drawing a stark comparison between her and Caitlin Clark, who has been honored annually with a butter sculpture in Iowa.
Reese, one of the most dominant and outspoken figures in women’s basketball, made the request for a statue to recognize her impact on the sport and her influence as a cultural icon. However, city officials reportedly rejected the proposal, citing reasons that remain unclear.
The denial did not sit well with Reese, who pointed out the glaring contrast between her treatment and that of Caitlin Clark. The Iowa native has been celebrated every year with a butter sculpture at the Iowa State Fair—a tradition that Reese sees as a reflection of the racial disparities in how female athletes are honored.
“This is blatant racism,” Reese said in a fiery statement. “I’ve worked just as hard, I’ve changed the game, I’ve inspired the next generation. But when it comes time to honor Black women in this sport, suddenly there’s hesitation? Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark gets a butter statue every single year?”
Her words quickly went viral, igniting debates about racial inequality in sports recognition. Many fans and fellow athletes rallied behind her, pointing out the long-standing issues with how Black athletes—particularly Black women—are often overlooked for honors and mainstream endorsements compared to their white counterparts.
Reese’s comments set social media ablaze, with the hashtag #StatueForReese trending within hours. Supporters flooded the internet with messages calling for more equitable representation in sports statues, arguing that Reese’s contributions to basketball are just as worthy of recognition as any other athlete’s.
Some critics, however, pushed back, arguing that statues should be reserved for retired players or those with a longer legacy in the game. Others dismissed Reese’s comparison to Clark, claiming that the butter sculpture is a long-standing Iowa tradition rather than a measure of an athlete’s greatness.
The controversy raises larger questions about race, recognition, and who gets to be immortalized in sports history. Black athletes, despite their achievements, have historically had to fight harder for the same level of recognition as their white counterparts. Reese’s frustration echoes a broader struggle in women’s basketball, where racial bias often dictates media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, and now, even monuments.
Despite the setback, Reese remains undeterred. “They can deny my statue, but they can’t deny my impact,” she said. “I’m going to keep proving why I belong in this conversation.”
Her supporters are now pushing for alternative ways to honor her contributions, with some calling for private funding to build the statue themselves. Whether or not the city reconsiders, one thing is clear—Angel Reese is not backing down.
