# Althea Gibson

> American tennis player (1927-2003)

**Wikidata**: [Q53550](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53550)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Althea_Gibson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/althea-gibson

## Summary
Althea Gibson (1927–2003) was an American tennis and golf player who broke racial barriers in professional sports, becoming the first African American to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Her success helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes in elite sports.

## Biography
- Born: August 25, 1927, in Silver, South Carolina
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended Florida A&M University
- Known for: Breaking racial barriers in tennis and becoming the first African American to win major tennis titles
- Employer(s): Professional tennis and golf circuits; associated with Florida A&M University
- Field(s): Tennis, golf, sports advocacy

## Contributions
Althea Gibson was a pioneering athlete who became the first African American to compete in and win major tennis tournaments, including Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Her entry into elite tennis in the 1950s marked a turning point in sports history, challenging racial segregation in professional athletics. She also played professional golf, further expanding opportunities for Black athletes. Her autobiography, "I Always Wanted to Be Somebody," co-written with ghostwriter ghostwriter, documented her journey and struggles in a racially divided sports world.

## FAQs
### What is Althea Gibson known for?
Althea Gibson is best known for being the first African American to win major tennis championships, including Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. She also became a professional golfer, breaking further ground in a predominantly white sport.

### Which organizations or institutions was Althea Gibson associated with?
Gibson was associated with Florida A&M University, where she likely pursued her education and played a role in the early development of her athletic career. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority.

### What awards or recognition did Althea Gibson receive?
She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and received the Theodore Roosevelt Award for collegiate athletics. She was also honored with the Candace Award and recognized on the Prominent American Women Quarters series by the U.S. Mint.

### What sports did Althea Gibson play?
Gibson played professional tennis and professional golf. In tennis, she won Wimbledon twice (1957, 1958) and the U.S. Open twice (1957, 1958). Her golf career followed her retirement from tennis, where she competed on the LPGA Tour.

## Why They Matter
Althea Gibson’s achievements were groundbreaking in the context of American sports history. As the first African American to compete at the highest levels of tennis and golf, she challenged and changed the landscape of racial exclusion in elite sports. Her legacy continues to inspire athletes and advocates for diversity in sports, and her story is a testament to perseverance in the face of systemic discrimination.

## Notable For
- First African American to win Wimbledon (1957)
- First African American to win the U.S. Open (1957)
- First African American professional golfer on the LPGA Tour
- Inductee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Award
- Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
- Featured on the U.S. Mint’s Prominent American Women Quarters series (2022)

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Althea Gibson was born on August 25, 1927, in Silver, South Carolina. She was raised in Harlem, New York, and began playing tennis at a young age. Her early talent was recognized in the African American tennis community, where she competed in local tournaments.

### Tennis Career
Gibson’s rise in tennis began in the 1940s when she gained entry into integrated competitions through the support of the tennis community and the American Tennis Association. Her breakthrough moment came in 1950 when she was invited to compete at Wimbledon, becoming the first Black player to do so. She won the French Championships, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open, making history with each victory.

In 1957, she won her first U.S. National Championships (now U.S. Open), followed by another win in 1958. She also won Wimbledon twice, in 1957 and 1958. These achievements made her a global icon and opened doors for future Black athletes, including Arthur Ashe.

### Golf Career
After retiring from tennis, Gibson transitioned to professional golf. She joined the LPGA Tour in the early 1960s, becoming one of the first African American women to compete professionally in golf. Despite limited success on the LPGA Tour, her presence was symbolic and influential.

### Education and Affiliations
Gibson was associated with Florida A&M University, where she furthered her education while building her athletic career. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority, connecting her to a broader legacy of African American achievement.

### Awards and Recognition
Althea Gibson received numerous honors, including:
- Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Theodore Roosevelt Award for Distinguished Service in Athletics
- Recognition on the Prominent American Women Quarters series by the U.S. Mint
- Candace Award for Outstanding Black Women
- Induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame
- Inclusion in the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame

### Legacy and Impact
Gibson’s legacy extends beyond her athletic achievements. She challenged racial segregation in sports and demonstrated excellence under immense pressure. Her career inspired future athletes like Serena Williams and Tiger Woods, who acknowledged her influence. Her autobiography, "I Always Wanted to Be Somebody," co-written with ghostwriter M. Elaine Mar, reflects on her struggles and triumphs in a racially divided society.

### Personal Life and Death
Gibson passed away on September 28, 2003. Her life story remains a powerful narrative of resilience, excellence, and the fight for equality in sports. Her contributions continue to be celebrated in exhibitions, documentaries, and numismatic honors, including her feature on the U.S. quarter in 2022.

## References

1. 100 years of Wimbledon
2. The Bud Collins History of Tennis (2nd ed.)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Find a Grave
5. [Source](https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/althea-gibson/)
6. [Source](https://flwomenshalloffame.org/bio/althea-gibson/)
7. [Source](https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2009-inductees/althea-gibson/)
8. [Source](https://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/althea-gibson)
9. [Source](http://itahalloffame.org/inductees/)
10. Notable Black American Women
11. BlackPast.org
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. MusicBrainz
15. SNAC
16. Discogs
17. Munzinger Personen
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. ITF website
20. IdRef
21. The Movie Database