To know where you’re going, you must know where you’ve been. All of us have had someone come before us. Despite what may be perceived as tough times we are living now, in truth the world was a far more difficult place, especially for Black women with dreams and ambition.
A tennis pioneer, and by default, national hero to many by virtue of her accomplishments, Althea Gibson, passed away. She was 76.
More than a half century ago, she was the first Black woman to compete at national and international tennis championships, eventually winning Wimbledon, U.S. and French Open titles in the late 1950’s. The female Jackie Robinson, if you will.
The New York Times has a far better review of her life than I could ever write. Let me simply add that while she has long been out of the limelight, generations of Black adults will hold a special place for her in our memories.