When Alexis Ohanian announced his resignation from Reddit, he made it clear that this decision wasn't just about his career—it was deeply personal. The proud father of two-year-old Olympia opened up to his wife, Serena Williams, about why he felt compelled to take a stand against racism. In a heartfelt conversation, Alexis explained how their little girl inspired him to step down from his position on Reddit's board during a pivotal moment in the Black Lives Matter movement.
Why Alexis Decided to Take a Stand
Reflecting on his motivations, Alexis, 37, revealed a touching moment in a clip shared on Serena’s Instagram titled “Serena Saturday.” Looking at his daughter, he said, “One of the things that really broke me at some point last week was watching Olympia. She’s such a pure, blank canvas. She only knows love. There’s not an ounce of hate in her body.” This realization hit him hard. As a father, he wanted to ensure that when Olympia grows up, she knows he did everything he could to create a more just and equitable world for her and others like her.
The Decision That Changed Everything
Alexis emphasized that he wanted to be able to look Olympia in the eye one day and explain his efforts to combat racism with a clear conscience. To make a meaningful impact, he decided to step down from Reddit’s board, offering his seat to a Black candidate. But that wasn’t all—he also pledged to donate any future gains from his Reddit stock to the fight against racial injustice. “I wanted to put as much weight behind the gesture as I could,” Alexis told Serena. “I thought about what those dollars could do for communities that have suffered far too long. With my power, influence, and privilege, I wanted to do something truly impactful—to make a better world for Olympia.”
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What Serena Had to Say
Serena, 38, expressed her frustration over the reality their daughter will face as a Black girl growing up in today’s world. “It pisses me off that you’re going to have to have a talk with Olympia,” she said, referring to the difficult conversations parents of Black children often must have about racism and inequality. “That’s the crushing thing,” Serena added, highlighting how Olympia will likely face additional challenges and barriers simply because of the color of her skin. Despite these harsh truths, Serena stood firmly behind Alexis’s decision, recognizing its importance.
Why Stepping Down Was the Right Choice
Alexis admitted that stepping down wasn’t an easy decision. However, after reflecting on the state of the nation following the killing of George Floyd by a white Minneapolis police officer on May 25, 2020, he knew it was necessary. “We need diversity at the highest levels of business now more than ever,” he explained. Once he understood the significance of his action, the decision became clear. “Once I realized why I needed to do it, it became very easy,” Alexis said.
A Father's Resolve
Alexis first announced his resignation on June 5, 2020, through a series of tweets. “I’m saying this as a father who needs to be able to answer his black daughter when she asks: ‘What did you do?’” he wrote, linking to a detailed blog post on his website. His words resonated with many, emphasizing the responsibility we all share to create a fairer society for future generations.
Serena quickly showed her support, sharing her thoughts on social media. “Having diverse views on any board is important,” she tweeted. “So proud of you, Alexis. I know Olympia will be too.”
If you'd like to learn more about how you can support the movement, visit BlackLivesMatter.com.
