Althea Gibson

We were so inspired to come across this upcoming film project from TIME called “Firsts,” a series that sits down with pioneering female athletes, scientists, lawmakers, entertainers and entrepreneurs for exclusive interviews on their unique journeys.

Trailblazing athlete Althea Gibson became the first great African American player in women’s tennis. She won a string of American Tennis Association titles on the African American circuit. After being allowed entry to the major tournaments, she became the first Black player to win Wimbledon and the French and U.S. Open titles.

In the past 120 years, these women have all made an impact on our world.

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1971 International Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee

Serena Williams Instagram.com : Althea Gibson paved the way for all women of color in sport. She won Wimbledon in 1958 (correction) I have held that same plate. Thank you…

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Syndicated Cartoon - Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson, American professional tennis player & golfer. She was the 1st African-American athlete of either gender to cross the color line of international tennis. She became the 1st person of color to win a Grand Slam title (French Open). She also twice won both Wimbledon & the U.S. Nationals. In all, she won 11 Grand Slam tournaments, including 6 doubles titles. In the early 1960s, she also became the 1st Black player to compete on the women's golf tour. R.I.P.

Chanel Iman as Althea Gibson - Glamour April 2009

Althea Gibson July 1957, back on her old Harlem block after winning women’s championship in Britain’s historic Wimbledon tournament, first Black to do it in the history of Wimbleton. Upcoming Tours Sun 17 Harlem Gospel Walking Tour March 17 @ 9:15 am - 12:15 pm | $39 212-280-7888 Sun 24 Harlem Gospel Walking Tour March […]

“I began to understand that you could walk out on the court like a lady, all dressed up in immaculate white, be polite to everybody, and still play like a tiger and beat the living daylights out of the ball!” — Althea Gibson, who saw the importance of manners and elegance during her journey from Harlem to Wimbledon, which she won in 1957 and 58.

Althea Gibson made history in 1956 by becoming the first black person to win the French Championships!

Althea Gibson (b. August 25, 1927 – d. September 28, 2003) Today's feature is tennis player and pro golfer Althea Gibson. Gibson became the first African-American woman to be a competitor on the world tennis tour and the first to win a Grand Slam title in 1956. A precursor to Venus & Serena Williams, she is sometimes referred to…