Sports History in Black: Althea Gibson, first Black woman to win Wimbledon

Althea Gibson was a professional golfer and tennis player. She also was one of the first Black players to cross the color line of international tennis.

Tennis queen Althea Gibson is the honoree of a ticker tape parade in New York City in 1957. Photo credit: The Detroit Tribune
Tennis queen Althea Gibson is the honoree of a ticker tape parade in New York City in 1957. Photo credit: The Detroit Tribune

Gibson would go from being one of the first to being the first on July 6, 1957. She would defeat Darlene Hard 6-3.6-2 to win Wimbledon. Her win marked the first time a female Black athlete won the Wimbledon championship. A salute to Gibson for laying the groundwork for those who would come after her.

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