While We Are Still Here
A
thread 1/6
Althea Neale Gibson (August 25, 1927 – September 28, 2003) was an African American tennis player and professional golfer, and one of the first Black athletes to cross the color line of international tennis. #Harlem
08:00 PM - Mar 23, 2024
Avatar
0
0
1
While We Are Still Here
A
thread 2/6
In 1956, she became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships).

She grew up in Harlem, where she began playing tennis at a young age. In the late 1940s, Gibson began competing in the American Tennis Association (ATA)...
08:00 PM - Mar 23, 2024
0
1
While We Are Still Here
A
thread 3/6
which was the only tennis association open to African Americans at the time. She quickly rose to prominence within the organization, winning several national titles and earning a reputation as one of the country's top players.
08:00 PM - Mar 23, 2024
0
1
While We Are Still Here
A
thread 4/6
In addition to her tennis career, Gibson significantly contributed to professional golf. She became the first Black woman to compete on the LPGA tour in 1963, and she later joined the Senior LPGA Tour, winning the 1979 and 1980 tournaments.
08:00 PM - Mar 23, 2024
0
1
While We Are Still Here
A
thread 5/6
Gibson's success on the court paved the way for future generations of Black athletes in tennis and other sports.

In 1957, she was named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press, becoming the first Black athlete, male or female, to receive the honor.
08:00 PM - Mar 23, 2024
0
1
While We Are Still Here
A
thread 6/6
While We Are Still Here will honor Althea Gibson with a historical marker, located at her birthplace, at a later date.
08:00 PM - Mar 23, 2024
0
1

 

{{ notificationModalContent }} {{ promptModalMessage }}