Christie Brinkley and Billie Jean King.Photo:Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
In the years since, King, now 79, has worked tirelessly for equality in women’s sports, most recently stepping out at the US Open to mark the 50th anniversary of equal prize money for both sexes at the annual tennis competition.Former First Lady Michelle Obamawas on hand to praise King for her efforts.
“Billie Jean teaches us that when things lie in the balance, we all have a choice to make,”Obama said. “We can either wait around and accept what we’re given. We can sit silently and hope someone else fights our battles. Or we can make our own stand. We can use whatever platforms we have to speak out and fight to protect the progress we’ve made, and level the playing field for all of our daughters and their daughters.”
In honor of the major milestone, PEOPLE and e.l.f. SKIN threw a Women Changing the Game party in King’s honor on Wednesday night, Sept. 20, at Manhatta in New York City, bringing together celebrities and stars of women’s sports for an inspiring conversation with the legend.
01of 12Christie Brinkley and Billie Jean KingChristie Brinkley, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
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Christie Brinkley and Billie Jean King
Christie Brinkley, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
02of 12Billie Jean King and Bridget MoynahanBillie Jean King, Bridget Moynahan.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Billie Jean King and Bridget Moynahan
Billie Jean King, Bridget Moynahan.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
03of 12Soccer Stars Kelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger and Kristie Mewis with Billie Jean KingKelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger, Billie Jean King, Kristie Mewis.Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
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Soccer Stars Kelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger and Kristie Mewis with Billie Jean King
Kelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger, Billie Jean King, Kristie Mewis.Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
04of 12Marcia Gay Harden and Billie Jean KingMarcia Gay Harden, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Marcia Gay Harden and Billie Jean King
Marcia Gay Harden, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
05of 12Christie Brinkley and Padma LakshmiChristie Brinkley, Padma Lakshmi.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Christie Brinkley and Padma Lakshmi
Christie Brinkley, Padma Lakshmi.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Leah Wyar, Billie Jean King, Wendy Naugle, Neil Vogel.Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
07of 12Peloton’s Ally Love and Jess King with Billie Jean KingAlly Love, Billie Jean King, Jess King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Peloton’s Ally Love and Jess King with Billie Jean King
Ally Love, Billie Jean King, Jess King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Billie Jean King, Wendy Naugle.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
09of 12e.l.f. CMO Kory Marchisotto and Billie Jean KingKory Marchisotto, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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e.l.f. CMO Kory Marchisotto and Billie Jean King
Kory Marchisotto, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
10of 12Pinky Cole and Billie Jean KingPinky Cole, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Pinky Cole and Billie Jean King
Pinky Cole, Billie Jean King.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Ubah Hassan, Neil Vogel, Wendy Naugle.Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
12of 12Folake Olowofoyeku and Bridget MoynahanFolake Olowofoyeku, Bridget Moynahan.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
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Folake Olowofoyeku and Bridget Moynahan
Folake Olowofoyeku, Bridget Moynahan.Stephen Lovekin / Shutterstock for People Magazine
source: people.com
