"This is way beyond what I could have dreamed" - Venus Williams on being honored alongside Serena Williams at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

Venus Williams and Serena Williams were among the seven individuals who were honored with portraits from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The other honorees were Ava DuVernay, José Andrés, Clive Davis, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Marian Wright Edelman.

The six-time Grand Slam singles champion likened the honor to a Wimbledon trophy and spoke about how the portraits struck her.

"I walked in here and how the portraits strike you. History matters and what you do matters," said Venus Williams.

The 42-year-old also said that being honored by the National Portrait Gallery was beyond her dreams.

"I just remember that moment, and it was literally beyond my dreams — and I've had some big dreams," she said. "And I've been able to have the opportunity to work for those dreams and live those dreams. But this is way beyond what I could have dreamed. And I can't imagine I'm here tonight. We made it."

Serena Williams said in her speech that it was important for the National Portrait Gallery to see a black woman smile. She also stated that black women were the backbone of the United States.

"I think it's so important for the National Portrait Gallery to see a black woman smiling," said the 23-time Grand Slam champion. "Black women are often seen as serious, and we are, but we are happy as well. We are the mothers. We are wives. And we are the backbone of this country,