Althea Gibson: Always Wanted To Be Somebody

Althea Gibson was born on August 25, 1927, in Silver, South Carolina. She was the youngest of five children born to Daniel and Annie Gibson. Her father was a sharecropper and her mother was a domestic worker. Gibson's family was poor, and she often had to work alongside her parents in the fields. Despite her circumstances, Gibson was a determined and ambitious child. She loved to play tennis, and she would often practice on the public courts in Silver.

Althea Gibson: I Always Wanted To Be Somebody

by Alan Lightman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	153 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Gibson's talent for tennis was evident from a young age. In 1942, she won the South Carolina State Junior Championship. Two years later, she moved to New York City to pursue her tennis career. Gibson faced many challenges in New York City. She was often discriminated against because of her race, and she had to work hard to find places to play and practice. However, Gibson never gave up on her dream of becoming a professional tennis player.

In 1950, Gibson won the U.S. National Championships, becoming the first African American to win a Grand Slam title. She followed up this victory by winning the French Open in 1951 and Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. Gibson was also a member of the U.S. Wightman Cup team from 1950 to 1954, and she helped the team win the cup in 1950 and 1951. In 1958, Gibson was ranked No. 1 in the world by the International Tennis Federation.

Gibson's success on the tennis court helped to break down barriers for other African Americans. She was an inspiration to countless people, and she showed the world that anything is possible if you have the courage and determination to pursue your dreams. Gibson retired from professional tennis in 1958, but she continued to be involved in the sport. She worked as a tennis coach and commentator, and she was also a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Althea Gibson died on September 28, 2003, at the age of 76. She is remembered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Gibson's Impact on Tennis

Althea Gibson's impact on tennis is undeniable. She was a pioneer who helped to break down barriers for other African Americans. Her success on the court inspired countless people, and she showed the world that anything is possible if you have the courage and determination to pursue your dreams.

Gibson's impact on tennis can be seen in the number of African Americans who have followed in her footsteps. Since Gibson won her first Grand Slam title in 1950, there have been many other African Americans who have achieved success on the tennis court. These players include Arthur Ashe, Yannick Noah, James Blake, the Williams sisters, and Sloane Stephens. Gibson's legacy continues to inspire these players and countless others around the world.

Gibson's Legacy

Althea Gibson's legacy is one of courage, determination, and triumph. She was a pioneer who helped to break down barriers for other African Americans. Her success on the court inspired countless people, and she showed the world that anything is possible if you have the courage and determination to pursue your dreams.

Gibson's legacy is still felt today. She is remembered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and her story continues to inspire people around the world. Gibson's legacy is a reminder that anything is possible if you have the courage and determination to pursue your dreams.

Althea Gibson: I Always Wanted To Be Somebody

by Alan Lightman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	153 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE