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US Open Honors Althea Gibson for Breaking the Color Barrier in Tennis 75 Years Ago

August 28, 2025

The U.S. Open is prominently honoring Althea Gibson, the first Black player at a major tennis tournament, 75 years after her groundbreaking achievement. Gibson's image is featured throughout the tournament, including as the event's logo, on screens inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and in a tribute narrated by Venus Williams. Despite her remarkable accomplishments—winning Grand Slam titles and breaking racial barriers in both tennis and golf during the Jim Crow era—Gibson's contributions have historically been marginalized compared to other pioneers like Jackie Robinson.

Who is affected

  • Althea Gibson's legacy and historical importance
  • Current and future tennis players, particularly Black athletes
  • Tennis fans and spectators at the U.S. Open
  • The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA)
  • The wider public's understanding of sports history
  • Gibson's estate, administered by Michelle Curry

What action is being taken

  • The U.S. Open is featuring Gibson's face in profile as its logo, designed by Melissa Koby
  • Clips of Gibson are being shown on screens inside Arthur Ashe Stadium
  • A tribute narrated by Venus Williams is playing during breaks
  • The USTA is hosting a luncheon in Gibson's honor
  • Black women performed the opening night anthem following the luncheon
  • Florida A&M's band (Gibson's alma mater) is scheduled to play during HBCU celebration night
  • Signs reading "Celebrating 75 years of breaking barriers" are displayed throughout the venue

Why it matters

  • Gibson's accomplishments have historically been underrecognized despite her breaking racial barriers in both tennis and golf
  • She competed during the Jim Crow era when she couldn't access the front doors of many venues where she played
  • Gibson received no prize money despite her Grand Slam victories because she played before the professional era
  • As Billie Jean King stated, "when you're the first, you should be celebrated the most"
  • Gibson's story has been "pushed to the margins" compared to other pioneers like Jackie Robinson
  • This celebration represents an opportunity for the USTA to "right the wrong" of not properly honoring Gibson in the past

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint