Tennis Champion, Sports Legend, and Cultural Heroine: The Extraordinary Story of Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson was born in 1927 in Silver, South Carolina. She was the youngest of five children, and her family was poor. Gibson's father was a sharecropper, and her mother was a domestic worker. Despite her humble beginnings, Gibson showed an early talent for tennis. She began playing at the age of 12, and by the time she was 16, she had won several local tournaments.

In 1950, Gibson moved to New York City to pursue her tennis career. She quickly made a name for herself, and in 1951, she became the first African American woman to play in the US Open. Gibson went on to win the US Open in 1957 and 1958, becoming the first African American woman to win a Grand Slam tournament.

Serena Williams: Tennis Champion, Sports Legend, and Cultural Heroine

by Merlisa Lawrence Corbett

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages

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Gibson's success on the tennis court helped to break down racial barriers in the sport. She was an inspiration to African Americans everywhere, and she helped to pave the way for other African American athletes to achieve success. Gibson's legacy extends beyond tennis. She was also a successful golfer and a talented musician. She was a pioneer for women and for African Americans, and she is an inspiration to people of all ages.

Gibson's Early Life and Career

Althea Gibson was born on August 25, 1927, in Silver, South Carolina. She was the youngest of five children, and her family was poor. Gibson's father was a sharecropper, and her mother was a domestic worker. Despite her humble beginnings, Gibson showed an early talent for tennis. She began playing at the age of 12, and by the time she was 16, she had won several local tournaments.

In 1950, Gibson moved to New York City to pursue her tennis career. She quickly made a name for herself, and in 1951, she became the first African American woman to play in the US Open. Gibson went on to win the US Open in 1957 and 1958, becoming the first African American woman to win a Grand Slam tournament.

Gibson's Success on the Tennis Court

Gibson's success on the tennis court helped to break down racial barriers in the sport. She was an inspiration to African Americans everywhere, and she helped to pave the way for other African American athletes to achieve success. Gibson's legacy extends beyond tennis. She was also a successful golfer and a talented musician. She was a pioneer for women and for African Americans, and she is an inspiration to people of all ages.

Gibson's Impact on Society

Gibson's impact on society was profound. She was a pioneer for women and for African Americans, and she helped to break down racial barriers in both sports and society. Gibson was an inspiration to people of all ages, and she continues to be an inspiration today.

Gibson's Legacy

Gibson's legacy is one of triumph over adversity. She was a pioneer for women and for African Americans, and she helped to break down racial barriers in both sports and society. Gibson was an inspiration to people of all ages, and she continues to be an inspiration today.

Althea Gibson was a tennis champion, a sports legend, and a cultural heroine. She was the first African American woman to win a Grand Slam tournament, and she helped to break down racial barriers in both sports and society. Gibson was an inspiration to people of all ages, and she continues to be an inspiration today.

Serena Williams: Tennis Champion, Sports Legend, and Cultural Heroine

by Merlisa Lawrence Corbett

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages

FREE