Black celebs add star power to the 2024 Paris Olympics
US rapper, artist and designer Pharell Williams during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay, on the day of the opening ceremony, on July 26 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. (Photo by Stephane De Sakutin – Pool/Getty Images)
Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, stars like Angel Reese, Zendaya, Snoop Dogg and more gather to celebrate the start of the international sporting event.
The Olympics have officially taken over the streets of Paris — and like the athletes competing, celebrities, especially Black celebrities, are gathering to celebrate the international sporting event. While most stars plan to sit on the sidelines, Snoop Dogg helped kick off the 2024 Games by lighting the Olympic torch.
“This says a lot about America as far as where we’re at in this world,” the rapper said, per People magazine. “At the same time, it says a lot about France as far as connecting the dots and allowing me to do this. I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect. I would have never dreamed of nothing like this.”
At the time, the rapper and NBC Olympics correspondent promised to be on his “best behavior” as the torch bearer. On July 26, Snoop Dogg stayed true to his Californian roots as he smilingly danced and seemingly “Crip-walked” through the streets of Paris while holding the torch. Snoop later passed the torch to fellow musician and Louis Vuitton designer Pharrell Williams, who then passed it to the Olympic Keeper of the Flame.
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These unapologetically Black moments could be a foreshadowing of what’s to come in this year’s Olympics. Between Snoop Dogg and Pharrell’s lit torch-bearing and LeBron James and Coco Gauff’s appointments as flag bearers, Team USA seems to be embracing Black excellence this year. In addition to the Black talent competing, this year’s celebrity Olympic fans appear to be just as Black. Ahead of the opening ceremony, Louis Vuitton co-hosted a star-studded prelude to the Olympic event, celebrating sports, culture, music, fashion, and art. From LeBron James to Zendaya to Angel Reese, check out these Black celebs on hand to celebrate the kick-off of the Paris Olympics.