06 June 2020

Serena Williams' husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian quits seat on board and asks to be replaced by a black candidate

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has stepped down from the company’s board, urging them to appoint a black replacement.

The 37-year-old, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, made the announcement in a video on Friday in the wake of the ’Black Lives Matter’ movement that has mobolised across the world in response to the death of George Floyd.

Ohanian and Williams, 38, have a two-year-old daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr and he revealed that it was for her that he made the ’long overdue’ decision.

“I co-founded Reddit 15 years ago to help people find community and a sense of belonging,” he said, adding: "It is long overdue to do the right thing. I’m doing this for me, for my family, and for my country.

“I’m saying this as a father who needs to be able to answer his black daughter when she asks: 'What did you do?' I have resigned as a member of the Reddit board, I have urged them to fill my seat with a black candidate,” he continued.

Alexis said he made the move for his daughter Olympia (Instagram: olympiaohanian)

He also revealed that any further gains he makes from the social media site will go directly towards the racial equality movement and will not be added to his estimated personal worth of $70 million.

“I will use future gains on my Reddit stock to serve the black community, chiefly to curb racial hate,” he said.

"I’m starting with a pledge of $1 million to @kaepernick7’s @yourrightscamp.

"I believe resignation can actually be an act of leadership from people in power right now. 

“To everyone fighting to fix our broken nation, do not stop,” he urged.

Williams shared her pride at the decision, tweeting: “Having diverse views on any boards is important. So proud of you Alexis. I know Olympia will be too.”

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