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At the end of last year, Brittney Griner, the renowned WNBA superstar, finally returned home. For 10 months she had been wrongfully detained in a Russian prison. 

Brittney quickly rejoined her team the Phoenix Mercury.  However, many didn't expect Griner to become a leading voice for the families of wrongfully detained individuals.

Despite being in the public eye since her release, Griner seamlessly rejoined her WNBA franchise. The 6-foot-9 center has made a triumphant comeback, displaying the same skill and prowess she possessed before she was jailed. 

However, Griner's dedication to her sport is matched by her commitment to shining a light on the injustices faced by others. She is bringing attention to their plight and inspiring hope for the families still struggling to bring their loved ones home. 

Shining a Spotlight on the Wrongfully Detained

Griner's dedication to her sport is matched by her advocacy for Americans that are wrongfully detained in foreign prisons. She has spoken about how the experience renewed her patriotism and made her grateful to be an American.

Her efforts have reshaped advocacy strategies. And provide a new blueprint for others fighting to free family members held in foreign countries.

Brittney Griner has proven that, beyond her athletic achievements, she is an advocacy force to be reckoned with.

 She has used her considerable platform as a basketball superstar to raise awareness and advocate for the release of those who remain in foreign prisons. 

Families who have joined forces through the “Bring Our Families Home” campaign have found an unexpected ally in Griner. Through her efforts, she has rallied public support and renewed hope for those desperate to bring their loved ones back home.

Changing the Narrative 

Her actions have reshaped the approach to advocacy for wrongfully detained Americans. 

Historically, government officials advised families to "keep quiet" to ensure the safety of their loved ones in foreign custody. However, Griner's case marked a turning point. 

The U.S. State Department classified her detainment as "wrongfully detained," which signaled the Biden administration's commitment to negotiate for her release. This shift in approach empowered Griner's loved ones, teammates, and representation to openly discuss her situation and campaign for more decisive action from the government.

Griner's tireless supporters relentlessly advocated for her release, effectively making her case a nationally recognized issue. Their efforts caught the attention of President Biden, who took swift action to bring her home within a year. 

This success not only reunited Griner with her family but also set a precedent for other families with wrongfully detained loved ones.

By single-handedly changing the landscape of advocacy in this space, Griner has opened doors for others to follow and find hope in the face of despair.

Harrison Li’s father, Kai Li, has been detained in China since 2016. And he credits Brittney’s advocacy with shining a light on those wrongfully detained. Adding that their situation has "gone unnoticed and unheard for way too long."

The American public is paying attention. And the families are optimistic that there is hope for those with loved ones still imprisoned overseas.

"Nobody owes anybody when they come home," said Elizabeth Whelan, whose brother, Paul Whelan, has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018.

 "They owe nobody to be public or to advocate for anyone else. The only thing that they owe is themselves to get back on their feet and back to their lives as quickly as they can to get past their ordeal."

The families of the wrongfully detained are united in their love and respect for the basketball legend.

"This is an extra special thing that she is doing and needs to be regarded as such," Whelan said.