How a Community-Backed Champion Made Tennis History on This Day in 1950
Photo: The Australian War Memorial / Unsplash
Seventy-six years ago today, Althea Gibson broke barriers to become the first Black competitor in international tennis when she was invited to play in the National Championships (now the US Open). Raised in Harlem by parents who were sharecroppers, Gibson's historic journey to the court was fueled by neighbors who generously took up a collection to support her talent.
Seventy-six years ago today, Althea Gibson broke barriers to become the first Black competitor in international tennis when she was invited to play in the National Championships (now the US Open). Raised in Harlem by parents who were sharecroppers, Gibson’s historic journey to the court was fueled by neighbors who generously took up a collection to support her talent.