By Briasia Russ

Civil rights advocate and Florida’s first Black state attorney Aramis Ayala was endorsed by basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. As reported on The Hill, Ayala will be vacated by Rep. Val Demings, who will also be vacated as she runs in 2022. 

According to Black Press, O’Neal supports Ayala for the need of principled leadership.  

“I’m supporting Aramis Ayala for Congress because we need bold action and principled leadership,” O’Neal said in a video.  

Ayala noted that she is excited about O’Neal’s continued support. 

“I don’t take his decision to get off of the sidelines lightly and am excited that he continues to lend his voice for the people who for too long haven’t had one,” Ayala said.  

“We need an MVP. We need Aramis Ayala. I’ve known Aramis for a while, and she’s always been a fighter for justice willing to take on the status quo,” O’Neal said in a statement. “I’m proud to support her campaign for Congress.”