Born to Win

On Althea Gibson, America's first African American tennis champion: 'I am grateful to Althea Gibson for having the strength and courage to break through the racial barriers in tennis. She knocked down walls that gave us more freedom to concentrate on the game...Althea's accomplishments set the stage for my success, but she also made a difference for people of all backgrounds in all areas. Through beneficiaries like me, Serena, and many others to come, her legacy will live on' - Venus Williams. 'She just meant so much to me. I've always felt connected to her and thankful and grateful for what she's done for people of color and me' - Billie Jean King. 'Althea built many bridges over her seventy-six years on this earth to ease our crossing...She fought the good fight, she finished her course, she kept her faith, and she can rest - game, set, and match' - David Dinkins, former mayor of New York City. 'It was the quiet dignity with which Althea carried herself during the turbulent days of the 1950s that was truly remarkable...When she began playing, less than five percent of tennis newcomers were minorities.
Today, some thirty percent are minorities, two-thirds of whom are African American. This is her legacy' - Alan Schwartz President, U.S. Tennis Association.