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Serena Williams to take her daughter to Africa and teach her about her ancestors

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Serena Williams (PHOTO: Gallo/Getty Images)
Serena Williams (PHOTO: Gallo/Getty Images)

Johannesburg - Serena William has confirmed that she plans on teaching daughter Olympia Ohanian about being a black woman.

The 11-month-old is the daughter of Serena and Reddit co-founder husband, Alexis Ohanian.

Speaking to Essence, the 23-time Grand Slam champion spoke on the importance of instilling a strong identity in her daughter.

“There are so many things I want to teach her about being a black woman, and I’m proud that I have that opportunity,” said Serena. “I was just talking with my husband, Alexis. We were talking about how we want to take her to Africa, and show her where she’s from and the strength that she gets from her ancestors. We want her to be able to build and thrive off that strength. And that’s only the beginning of what I want to teach her.”

Serena also added that while Olympia may be born into money, she will not allow her to be lazy.

“I want her to also have work ethic,” the 36-year-old said. “I want her to know that this is what her mommy did, and that’s what motivates me. I’m sure first-time moms will totally get it. When you have a baby, you just want to do everything you can for them.”

Having admitted that she struggled with postpartum as a first-time mom, Serena hopes that her openness about her struggles can encourage other women.

READ MORE: ‘I felt like I was not a good mom’ – Serena Williams on postpartum

“Believe in yourself and you can do anything,” Serena said. “I feel like if I can do it, anyone can do it. It really is just believing in yourself. I’m no different than anyone else. Really I’m not. I’m just determined and having that work ethic.”

Meanwhile, the tennis star has revealed that she is raising Olympia as bilingual.

In a video posted to her Instagram, she shared a conversation between herself and her daughter as they conversed in French.

In the video, Serena tells Olympia to “wash your hands,” to which she hilariously does so in the dog’s water bowl.

She, then continues in French, telling Olympia not to use the dog water and jokingly exclaiming: “Oh là là!”

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

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