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Source: JEWEL SAMAD / Getty

Serena Williams dazzled in a sexy lace ensemble at Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year ceremony in New York City last night. The tennis champion, who is the first Black woman to grace the cover of SI, sits perched upon a throne on the noted publication.

Serena accepted her award after a charming introduction by her sister Venus.

“It’s been an honor to be your big sister,” she said fighting tears. “It’s the best job in the world.”

Serena began her acceptance speech thanking SI, Jehovah and her family for being her biggest supporters.

“For all the ladies out there, yes we can do it… My hope [that] by winning this award [I] can inspire many many many more women,” Serena said.

“I’m not standing here because I’ve just kind of cruised on. I’ve had my share of ups and downs. I’ve had many struggles. I’ve had blood clots in both my lungs at the same time. I’ve lived through tragedies and controversies — and horses,” she said jokingly.

In case you missed it, some Internet imbeciles argued Triple Crown winner American Pharoah should be considered sportsperson of the year. We’d be open to the dialogue if Pharoah was actually human. Insert side eye emoji.

https://mobile.twitter.com/latimes/status/676451640329814016

Serena closed her speech with an excerpt from Maya Angelou’s legendary “Still I Rise” poem.

Go ‘head Serena!

See more pics from the event below:

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Serena Williams Is A Black Goddess At Sportsperson Of The Year Ceremony  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com