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http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/althea-gibson-becomes-first-african-american-on-us-tennis-tour
Please read the article above and respond by writing a 100-word opinion on the first African American joining the tennis tour. What was the impact of this event on the country? What was it accept around the country?
After reading this article, I found that by becoming the first African-American on the U.S. tennis tour Althea Gibson accomplished an astonishing achievement. The impact of this event on the country was great by showing again one of the many ways in which African Americans overcame racism and judgment. By doing this Gibson paved the way for future great African-American athletes today. In my opinion, yes this fact was accepted around the country. Why? The reason is simply because Gibson kept returning to the tour, then in the early 1960s made history again by becoming the first black player to compete in the women's golf tour, and finally by being elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971. To sum it up Althea Gibson played a major role in the development of African Americans athletics history.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article about Aletha Gibson shows that, she was the first African American player to participate and compete in a U.S national tennis competition is what you usually would not have seen back in the days, when African Americans were rarely chosen to do anything. In addition, what she did as a young girl at the age of 14, which was winning tournaments shows how hard she has tried to do the best she can do and to stay on top of the game. As she got older and decided to retire, Gibson was credited with setting the path for African American tennis champions including the William sisters. Seeing all of Gibson’s accomplishments shows readers today that they can do all things as long as they try hard and stay on the right track.
ReplyDeleteCierra Lawrence A- BLOCK!!!!!
In my opinion, Althea Gibson is a role model for me as an African American. She strived and continued doing what she loved, playing tennis, despite not being accepted. Gibson began playing tennis at the age of 14, when she turned 15 she won her first tournament sponsored by the American Tennis Association which was organized by black players. In 1949, she decided to enter the USLTA which was organized by white players and when she applied they didn’t accept her. Eventually, she did get accepted and ended up going to the pro’s and inspired many other African American tennis players in the U.S today. Althea Gibson is a great inspiration not to just tennis players but to anyone who wants to do what they love and others don't accept them.
ReplyDeleteIn this article, I learned that Althea Gibson was a focused and determined individual. Her goal was to gain entry in the USLTA’s National Grass Championships at Forest Hills. When she did not gain entry into the USLTA”S National Grass Championships at Forest His, she did not give, instead she kept trying and won the Wimbledon and the U.S Open at the age of 30. The impact that this had on the country was great. Althea Gibson showed the country that anyone, no matter what their race may be, can do anything. I believe that it was accepted around the world because if it were not I do not think that she would have been invited to the USLTA’s National Championships.
ReplyDeleteNaomi Wilson (A Block )
"Don't judge a book by its cover,"around the world, racism has always been a controversy throughout all United States. Not allowing blacks from their own prerogative in many situations, discrimination was perpetually done and verbal insults as well. Many other hazarding factors appeared, till this day it is still persist but it has metamorphosed itself throughout the years, the law is more involved. Comprehending the article allowed me to also manifest my opinion, in 1950 was when Althea Gibson was capable of playing in a national tennis competition, from that day on the situation was revolutionizing itself in a positive outcome due to the fact she was an African- American. Things in life shouldn't be based on color nor nationality. It should be determined on self- accomplishments and personalities the way a person presents his/her self and how they handle situations that aren't pleasing to them but yet are capable of doing things in a knowledgeable way. Determination is extremely crucial in any sport and Althea Gibson had a lot of it, which lead to many successful opportunities that were presented to her. Blacks, Whites, Hispanics are just a epithet, does not speculate on who you are.
ReplyDeleteAletha Gibson was the first African-American player to join and compete in the U.S national tennis competition. When she was younger she used to love to play paddle tennis and became a member of the Harlem Cosmopolitan Tennis Club, which was a club for African American players. She was a very good tennis player, and back in the old days they wouldn't allow her to play because of her skin color. She showed us that anyone can be a good at any sport if they are truly devoted to it. It doesn't matter what skin color you are or what age or religion. Gibson impacted the world because it gave more opportunities for African-Americans and it gave them courage to do what they like to do the most.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Vizarraga (C-Block)
Althea Gibson was an African American with a big goal. She started playing tennis when she was fourteen years old. A year later she already won her first tournament, which was sponsored by ATA, which was the alternative to USLTA that was created in 1916 by black players because the USLTA didn’t accept African Americans. She was so good that she won ten straight ATA championships in 1947. She tried playing in the USLTA but at first got rejected but the following year a player in the USLTA sent a letter that Gibson should play in the USLTA and ended up being elected. She ended up wining some big tournaments and was the first African American to play professional tennis. She is a big role model to not give up and try to accomplish your goals. Thanks to her now all athletes are allowed to play any sport they want and are treated equally. She encouraged a lot of people to not give up and just keep pushing in any thing in life.
ReplyDeleteRyan Ventura D Block
I enjoyed reading this story because it shows how hard work and perseverance can take you a long way. There is no doubt that Althea Gibson achieved something wonderful. She made a huge impact for future African-American tennis players. It is clear that, at first, her decision to join the USLTA was not generally accepted. She was originally denied membership. The support of a few people helped her join the association. I can assume that she gained acceptance over the years because she was compared to popular sports figures, such as Jackie Robinson. No matter how she was viewed in the past, people now look at her as the girl who opened the doors for future African-American tennis players.
ReplyDeleteGibsson at first was not accepted by the USLTA members and so a female tennis player Allie Marble wrote to the AMERICAN LAWN she criticized the USLTA for not allowing Gibson to compete in the tennis matches.The impact she made it possible formany more faamous female tennis playersto compete in the tennis atches and she is th first black player to compete on the womens gold tour.
ReplyDeleteCristina Smalzer
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Since the 1890s, people have been playing tennis, first an exclusively white only sport. But in 1950, the USLTA had finally accepted their first African American player in history who paved the way for many other African American athletes along the way. Althea Gibson had been playing tennis since the young age of fourteen and was naturally talented at the sport. She had been winning championship after championship in the ATA, an alternative to the USLTA. In 1949, with help from Alice Marble, she was finally able to compete in USLTA’s competitions and along with that, she won many championships and was retired from amateur to pro. Of course, she was unaccepted to several people. She was required to learn the actual game of tennis and “proper social behavior” before she could compete. But through all that, she persevered and was put in the Hall of Fame in 1971, paving the way and inspiring other African American athletes like sisters Venus and Serena Williams and Arthur Ashe and many more to come.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article my opinion on Althea Gibson, is that she inspires many people to never give up on their dreams. At the age of 14 she began to play tennis. The following year she won her first tournament, the New York State girls' championship. It was strange back then to see an African Americans get picked for sports or jobs. Even though she wasn’t accepted the support of family and friends kept her trying out for different tournaments. Gibson never got accepted into the USLTA National Grass Championships at Forest Hills, in 1949. The following year 1950 USLTA accept Gibson into their annual championship at Forest Hills. She is an inspiration to many young people all around the world. Hard work does pay off in the end you just always have to keep going for your dreams.
ReplyDeleteRachel Bernal D- Block
I believe Althea Gibson is a great inspiration to people in general. Even if she has a disadvantage because of her color she still played in the white people tournament, even tho she didn't win. But that maybe wasn't her goal maybe it was to show that all people are equal and should be allowed to play tennis or any sport not by color or race but by skill and hard work. She began at 14 a late age but she won the very firs tournament she played in. Showing he has a strong will and a desire to win. She was accepted in to the hall fame altho she never won a tournament but as the first african american to play in the wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteRaphael Vazquez
Althea Gibson becoming the first African American on the tennis tour impacted the country in a major way. It gave a sense of hope to all the other African Americans that had a dream of playing a sport professionally but had doubts or was discouraged because of the color of their skin. This achievement also showed people the effect on racism and what it can do to a person’s dream. Even though it was racism around there were still people like Hubert Eaton and R. Walter that could see talent even though Althea Gibson was black. Althea Gibson led the way for other African Americans today. No this achievement made by Althea Gibson was not accepted around the country by white people. They didn’t appreciate the fact that a black person could accomplish such things that was only known to be achieved by the whites at first.
ReplyDeleteJa'Toria Washington-D Block!
After reading this article and doing some further research on my own, I believe that without Althea Gibson’s success and focused mentality African-American women athletes would have never been thought about today. She paved the way for today’s greats like Serena and Venus Williams. Many critics compare to the great Jackie Robinson (The first African-American Male to play in the MLB). This was during the time of the Civil Rights movement where there was a lot of racism. However, Althea Gibson didn’t let any of this get to her. She stayed focused and determined to compete at highest level of competition. I believe her to be one of the people who changed the future for most African-American women.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Walker, Jr. (C Block)
The impact of this was what most people would say be an upset. Of course back then there were still people who weren't completely accepting of colored athletes being admitting into what used to be white tournaments and such. Althea Gibson was one of the first in her time to pave the way for other
ReplyDeleteAfrican Americans in the world of competitive tennis and other sports. People will always have their opinions which is why others like Althea have to push them to approve of them by showing them that the Color of someone's skin doesn't mean that they are any different from them.
Alejandro J. Morales C-block
Althea Gibson is a perfect role model for those who are self-conscious and are afraid of not being accepted. Her actions clearly show that she did not let anything stand in her way from doing what she enjoyed. She was filled with ambition and was passionate about everything she did. Gibson began playing tennis at the age of 14 and she did not let anything stand in her way. At 15 she won her first tournament sponsored by the American Tennis Association which was organized by black players. Sadly, in the United States racism has always been a controversy and in 1949, she decided to enter the USLTA which was organized by white players and they didn’t accept her. Gibson continued having a positive attitude and she strived for what she believed in. Soon enough, she got accepted and inspired many other different nationalities tennis players to continue to do what they enjoy.
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Monica Bustinza
Had it not been for four-time winner at Forest Hills, Alice Marble; Althea Gibson may have never paved the way for athletes such as Venus and Serena Williams. Perseverance and determination, accompanied by the help of a friend, made Althea Gibson the memorable athlete she is today. This day in age gently reminds us to always speak our minds and fight for what’s right, because, the most subtle of actions, such as writing a letter can affect history itself. When Alice Marble sat down and wrote about the bigotry of fellow USLTA members, she created a domino effect that would in turn lead Althea Gibson engraving the pages of history with her name as the first African-American on the U.S. tennis tour.
ReplyDeleteAnabel Balbi
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After reading this story i belive that Athea Gibson had made a great impact on the country and to all people in general. It give others hope by been am African Amrican, and not been able to have that much of rights as others still even this day. Giving those who has dreams that want them to come true but are'nt so sure if its something possible that one day that dream can come true. I enjoyed reading this story because she is such a great role model by showing that hard work will be paid off soon in life. If your willing to put your best at something you strive for, one day in life you will be rewarded by giving your all for what you wanted in life. I think what made her so strong throughout this experiment she must of had such positive attitude and believed in herself that she could do it and making it possible also doing what she enjoys in life.
ReplyDeleteROMIE MAZARD
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In 1957 Althea Gibson became the first black tennis player to win Wimbledon and the women's doubles championship later in the day. Definitely this famous woman made history and people often forget the social advances that were made durning the 1950's because they were overshadowed by the Civil Rights Era. Without people like Gibson, Jackie Robinson, etc the revolutionary changes of the 1960's could not have been possible and indeed Gibson was truly a hero for bringing America another step closer to its full potential and I believe these should be greater rewards for those people, such as her, that contributed to history and to make the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteIn 1967 Althea Gibson became the first back tennis player to win Wimbledon and the women's double championship later in the day. The impact she put on the United States was a good spot in history, she proved even though she was an African American, they can play sports and play at the professional level. Even though blacks were segregated from white people, she gave African Americans hope that she doesn't care about the racism barriers. She still even fighting racism played hard and became role model to African Americans and showed nothing can slow her down. With her hard shown, it inspired other African Americans to give a try at the sport of tennis and African Americans in the country to do sports. First black women tennis player in the hall of fame, a well needed reward. Serena Williams and Venus Williams used her life as a role model as they are also very successful African American tennis players. They proved that African Americans can play the sport that the white people for years have not given them a chance to do.
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In 1950 Athena Gibson was accepted into the United States Lawn Tennis Association(USLTA) as the first african-american tennis player, male or female. She is often considered "the Jackie Robinson of tennis" because of the breaking the color barrier in her sport. Without her, Jackie Robinson and many others african-americans may not have the same impact on sports as they do today. She was introduced into the tennis hall of fame and has inspired many people today. Also, beacause of her Venus and Serena Williams wouldn't have been give an opurtunity in tennis today. She proved that african-americans can not just compete with whites but be just as good and even better.
ReplyDeleteDavid Delgado C Block
Althea Gibson’s story is another story of an African-American pursuing their dreams and fighting for what they want. This impacted our country by showing, not only African-Americans, but any other person that if they love to do something that they shouldn’t stop trying to get what they want. Because of her perseverance, she became the first African-American player to compete in the USLTA. The USLTA also took a big step and impacted our country because the USLTA probably influenced more national sport competitions to accept African-Americans. This event definitely helped lead us to where we are today and how African-Americans are becoming more accepted. Although, there is still more to be done, this event helped pave the way.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson is another one of the many African Americans that never gave up on her dream of doing what she loves, which for her was playing tennis. She was the first African American to win championships at famous tournaments. She was the first African American to be named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in 1957. She is a great role model because even though she was black she didn’t let that stop her from doing what she loved to do. In doing that she paved the way for many black women in the sport of tennis like Venus and Serena Williams.
ReplyDeleteNathalia Guzman C-Block
Althea Gibson is a really good example of a role model. At the age of fourteen she began to play tennis letting nothing stand in her way at the age of 15 she won her first tournament sponsored by the American Tennis Association. Unfortunately, racism has always been an issue and this is an example. In 1949, Gibson decided to attempt to enter USLTA yet, they declined her entry. She let no one stand in her way and kept on with tennis keeping a positive attitude. At the end Gibson was accepted and became a good example for other tennis players.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Zuniga D block
Athena Gibson is a great inspiring role model for all people in general. She inspired others, especially African Americans to chase after their dreams and never give up. Her determination was to go above and beyond with tennis and that is exactly what she did. If it wasn’t for her Serena and Venus Williams most probably wouldn’t have been inspired to do the same. African Americans have always been looked down on and treated differently because of their skin color, but Athena proved to them that being talented at something you love has nothing to do with the color of your skin.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson has obviously inspired many people with her decision. Its her determination that made her goal possible. She was brave enough to go on, know with all the consequences that could possibly come from it, but she didn't let that stop her. She had a rough time, but things in life never come easy. And in the end, she got her way. It was her dedication to her sport and herself that made everything possible. She made history and inspired so many other athletes to follow in her footstep. Its people like her that make this country such an interesting and wonderful place to live in.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Murguido - C block
After reading this article about Athea Gibson and the many obstacles she had to overcome to become the first African American to play in the Women s Golf Tour. It’s important and a great achievement because at that time she was subjected to segregation that was going on at that time. Therefore, it was not accepted in the world. She has been called the “Female Jackie Robinson”. In the late 1950s, Gibson won eleven major titles including three straight doubles at the French Open in 1956, 1957 and 1958. She was winner of the French Open in 1956, Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958 and the U.S. Open in 1957 and 1958. She was also the first African American to become Female Athlete of The Year by The Associated Press in 1957. I am personally not into tennis but I still Thank God for her because she was one of the people that stood up for myself and other African Americans.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson is a perfect example of why people should try to make a difference in the world. Nowadays nobody cares. People shouldn't discriminate because of the way someone looks, their color, their race, etc. She is a good role model for people who want to play a sport for a living. It shows them that if you love something, you should always try and never give up because you'll never get anywhere. Nobody wants to be known as a quitter. She loved tennis and she kept trying to compete and in the end, she finally got what she wanted. She is a great inspiration for people have many dreams and goals.
ReplyDelete-Michi A block :)
Althea Gibson is a great inspiration to anyone who has a dream they want to accomplish. Her story proves to us that when you really work for something u want,you can achieve it. Gibson did impact the world when she became the first African American to compete in a national U.S tennis competition and In the early 1960s when Gibson became the first black player to compete on the woman's golf tour. Gibson is a good example of someone who never gives up and stays dedicated. Gibson has been credited with paving the way for African-American tennis champions. People like her deserve to be acknowledged like this because they help others succeed.
ReplyDeleteAshley Vasquez D-Block.
After reading this article, I am happy that Althea Gibson did what she did. Not giving up and keeping her head up through all of it was important. Because of Althea Gibson winning she inspired many people. Soome people that she inspired were some of her fellow tennis players such as Arthur Ashe but more recently she has inspired Venus and Serenus Williams. Besides impacting tennis players, she impacted regular people too and had everyone believing in her. Even though she won many matches, it was not accepted through out the country but no matter wht Althea Gibson did not give up. She kept playing. Not only would she play on the tennis court but with the Harlem Globetrotters in their half time shows. In the 1960s she also played golf and made it known that she was an African American who wouldnt give up and impact the lives of many.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson is a perfect example of dedication and drive. After reading this article about her it put a new prospective in my mind that it doesn't matter where you come from that makes the value of a person, its their motivation and effort. Althea Gibson was the first the first African-American player to compete in a U.S. national tennis competition. She Grew up in Harlem and at the age of 14 won her first tournament and had the mind set that tennis was her sport and she went with it. When things got hard for her and was rejected from playing in the Forest Hills championships she never got discouraged, she kept doing what she loved and eventually was invited by a current tennis player at the time. Althea finally retired from the amateur level and went pro. Honestly I like this article because no matter what you should never give into anything when things get tough and that's exactly what she did, she kept going and Althea Gibson made history in not only the tennis world but sports all around. Also that no matter what race you are everyone can make a difference as long as you have the mind set for it.
ReplyDeleteI realized that Althea Gibson was a person that was always dedicated to what she loved the most. No matter how many troubles she went through, she always kept her head held high and never gave up on what she started. Gibson made a change in the world by becoming the first African American to compete in the U.S, tennis competition. She won many tennis matches although; it was not accepted in the country. But that did not stop people from believing in her. After reading this article, Althea Gibson inspired me to never give up on anything because you might just make a change later on in life no matter who you are, how old you are, where you’re from, etc.
ReplyDeleteVictoria Marino D-Block
Althea Gibson is a perfect example of chasing your dreams and believing that you can do anything you set your mind to. Shes a great role model for anyone not just African Americans. She was the first African American to compete in a U.S. national tournament and now because of her achievment she is known as the Jackie Robinson of tennis, which is a huge honor. Althea got rejected many times from the sport because of her color but she was never discouraged and kept on playing the sport she loved and eventually became pro even though she did not win any tournaments was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971. This article is great because it lets people know that no matter what you set your mind to it is possible.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson, though she denied it, can be seen as the "Jackie Robinson" of both Women's golf and tennis. I feel as though this is a great story because it once again shows african Americans rising above racism and segregation. Though a great moment, it was not greatly accepted by America; simply because she was African American. The same was true for Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King, and many other African Americans that prevailed in seemingly impossible situations. The strength that those people have shown, both physically and emotionally, was surely passed to Mrs. Gibson. This is yet another feel-good story of Black History
ReplyDeleteAndrew McCoy (D Block)
Althea Gibson proved that anyone can play any sport. You don’t have to be of a certain ethnic background, or any certain type of person to play a sport. No one should be left out because of the color of their skin or the language they speak. She took a stand to all Caucasians in her time, and proved that she deserved to be on the USLTA team. She and Jackie Robinson both showed that it only takes hard work, dedication and passion to overcome proving yourself as an athlete no matter where you are from. You just have to work hard and know how to play the game you love.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Tirado (A-Block)
After reading this article about Aletha Gibson, she shows how much of a role model she is to the black race. She sets out to reach this goal to do what she loves, despite what had been happening during those years, Racism. Aletha’s decision sets some peoples’ steps closer to achieving goals. In my opinion I don’t think anyone should be discriminated by the color of their skin, what their nationality is, or gender and etc. Aletha Gibson stuck through the hard times with being denied because of the color of her skin and still held on strong. She is indeed a tremendous inspiration to those that may have doubt in what others may think about what they love to do. Despite what they may think Aletha Gibson is the first African-American on U.S Tennis Tour.
ReplyDeleteLisa St.Amand
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Althea Gibson's talent and determination impacted the country tremendously. Even though she got rejected many times she kept on coming back, eventually she made it into the USLTA's National Grass Court Championships with some help from Alice Marble. In my opinion, Alice Marble's comments had the greatest affect on the country because one of there own protest against USLTA. Alice didn't care about the color of Althea's skin a challenge is a challenge. But it still took quite a bit of time for the country to accept Althea. Althea eventually won her first major victory in 1956, became pro, and was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971. She has also paved the way for other African American's.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson is a great influence on those who have insecurities based on their ethnicity. Althea's best quality was that she never gave up, she failed numerous amount of times but she kept trying and ended up making history. Althea's actions set the path for african americans to succeed in athletics and in everyday life. Althea had help from some people like Alice but Althea proved that any bump in the road or any obstacle she had she overcame it and became an icon to all african americans and an icon in history. This is essential to all types of history and is a very inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson is a spectacular role model for those who never want to be themselves around anyone and are afraid of not fitting in and being different. She did not let anything stop her from doing her favorite sport and she continued without caring what anyone said or thought. She is one of those people who do not play just to be part of a group, but she had a pasion for the sport. She began to play at such a young age and 14 is normally when people care what others think of them, but she was different. She won her first tournament sponsored by the American Tennis Association when she was fifteen. The United States has always had a problem with racism. In 1949, she had signed up for the tournament USLTA, ofcourse at that time they had alot of racism problems and did not let Gibson join the competition.Just because a group of whites told her she was not allowed to join, it did not stop her from continuing to play. Gibson got rejected many times from different groups but continued her career. Eventually she got accepted and became known and a role model for always being positive and never putting her head down. She won her first prize in 1956, and then got into the Tennis Hall of Fame fifteen years leter.
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Natalie Urra
Althea Gibson was a great tennis player. It was very difficult for an african american during that time tho qualify for any sort of sport.Just because of the color of her skin, nobody would be able to see such talent in such a different women. With the support of Alice Marble's protests against the USTLA, Gibson was able to qualify and in 1956, she won her first tournament.With many victories before and after she became pro, in 1971 she was represented in the international tennis hall of fame. Many people were inspired by her courage and even though she passed in 2003, she will be remembered for generations to come.
ReplyDelete-JTaylor (D Block)
Althea Gibson made a huge impact while playing tennis. Tennis was something that she loved so she put her mind to it and decided that she was going to play no matter how many people doubted her and no matter how much she was criticized about it. Althea helped pave the way for other African- Americans that wanted to play sports and also wanted to go pro while doing it. The bad thing about it is that no one wanted her to play because she was black. But Alice Marble knew how good she was, and knew that she was going to be a great competitor in the tournament. Althea had a outstanding career, breaking records, winning champions and trophies. She should be a major role model not just for African-Americans, but for everyone.
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ReplyDeleteThis story was very interesting because it showed how someone can succeed even when the odds are against them. At the time that this event happened African-Americans were going through a tough time because of segregation. This meant that the blacks did not have as close to as many rights as the whites did. Athea seemed to ignore that and push forward with no insecurity but even competed against the white competitors. Athea was very good at the sport, some people say she was born to play, and even though most whites disliked the idea of blacks and whites coming together , they had to admit that Athea was a great competitor. This shows how great of a motivator she is and not only to African-Americans but to everyone of every race.
ReplyDeleteMy perspective and own opinion about the “first African American” on the US tennis tour is/has a positive outcome to our country. Althea Gibson allowed African Americans to overcome racism and bad judgment. She was raised properly and as a young girl she always told herself she can do anything she sets her mind and puts her heart to. Althea did not just accomplish that dream. She fulfilled it, as if it were her destiny. You ask me if this was accepted around the country and honestly my answer is yes, why not? If whites can do it why not us African Americans, we can do just as much as you. Althea is a great role model for both woman and men she showed them “Dreams do come true” as long as you keep striving for it no matter how hard or what obstacles stand in your way you can do it , don’t give up! She did it and made history more than what she even dreamed of, I think its great she made it into the International tennis hall of fame, Althea deserved it and so could anyone else.
ReplyDelete-Deanna Hernandez D block
This story shows how through perseverance you can achieve your goals. During the time of Althea Gibson segregation was going on pretty much making african americans look like "second class" citizens. Thus being the case there were very small opportunities for her or any african american to excel in their lives. The great thing about this is Althea, although living in the time she was did not let that stop her from achieving excellence. She won her first tournament one year after starting to actually play tennis. She then continued to win tournament after tournament under the ATA flag. In 1949 she asked permission to be allowed to enter with the USLTA. After in 1950 she was granted permission to play. Although she did lose her second round she still did not allow that to bring her down and eventually she won multiple champions. The great thing about this story is that it is safe to say that this event paved the way to allow players like Venus also compete in tennis. So in conclusion Althea Gibson using her perseverance and hard work she was the first african american to play in the USLTA.
ReplyDeleteAdrian Ulloa- C Block
After reading the article on Althea Gibson it really inspires people to go and follow their dreams.She was one of those people who didn't care what people thought about her she just did what she loved doing and pursued it, which i think my opinion most people should do.She was an excellent role model for people and still nowadays she is,you should always pursue your goals and achieve them, and that is exactly what Althean did she loved playing her sport and became known for it.
ReplyDelete-Brenda pulido A-block
Gibson being the first african american on the US open tour made a huge impact on the world. She opened the door for many african americans to compete in sports. She did this in a time when segragation and racism was at its highest. Gibson's accomplishment didn't just affect the sports world. It affrected the world in general. It opened the eyes of many people, and changed the out look of the world on racism. She was a role model for people around the world to never give up hope and to always follow your dreams.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson had a great impact on history. She managed to have her talent recognized at a time when racism and prejudice were far more part of society in sports and in general. Althea Gibson's achievement was unique. She set an example to other African-Americans who were unrecognized because of their skin color. Her accomplishment broke the color bar in national and international tournaments. Her accomplishment is accepted today, but in that time period some probably judged, and harassed her because she was different. Others, however saw the beauty in it, and understood that it was a good change, and that everyone should be equal. She was allowed to repeatedly play in tournaments, so racism was no longer an issue with the officials, but the people in the sidelines were still upset for a few years. Later on, she became a role model for others, and she still is even today. She was a major part in the development of African Americans athletics. Serena and Venus are perfect examples of how things have changed.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Guerra – C block
Althea Gibson is a role model for any athlete out there that wants to make their dream come true. Gibson grew up in Harlem dealing with the hardship that the blacks were put through. At only the age of 14 she began playing tennis, which later she came about winning her first tournament the next year. In showing her star qualities she was sponsored by the ATA since the USLTA were for the whites. She managed to pull out 10 straight championships under the coaching of Johnson. Gibson despite of being a great player in the ATA tried to enter the USLTA for more competition, where she was denied. Alice Marble would come around and cause a great impact on the country by writing a letter to the USLTA magazine telling them to allow her to compose some challenge for them. By this turn if events Gibson came about to be a mastered tennis player winning the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S Open. This was accepted by any in the country cause she made history in being one of the most memorable african american female players of all time.
ReplyDeleteCperez A
Althea Gibson is a wonderful role model because she made it possible for other African Americans to follow in her footsteps. At this time, it was not accepted for an African American to play a sport for whites such as tennis. During this time the United States was going through major racial problems. Althea Gibson broke many barriers by taking a risk and not giving up her dreams. This impacts Americans today because if she would have never followed her dream athletes such as Tiger Woods, Venus and Serena Williams, and Arthur Ashe wouldn't be able to play these sports today. At a young age, she started playing tennis and won Wimbledon and the women's double championship. Later, Althea Gibson was permitted to play in games even though some thought it shouldn't be playing tennis, she surpassed the racism and followed her dreams. In conclusion, Althea Gibson is an inspirational person because she followed her dreams no matter what she had to do.
ReplyDeleteHeidi Alonso D-Block
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ReplyDeleteAthea Gibson is a good role model for people who are afraid to chase their dreams. No matter what people told her, she tried her best to do what she loved most. She began playing tennis at the age of fourteen and won a tennis tournament the year after. She also gave strength to other african-americans who wanted to follow their dreams but couldn't because of racism at the time. She made an impact on the world. Even though she won many tournaments, she still was not accepted in the country. She did however end up making history. Athea has inspired me to always follow my dreams and never give up doing what I love most no matter what people tell me.
ReplyDeleteNancy Massani D Block
Courage, determination, and perseverance, these are only some of the characteristic that Althea Gibson embodied and exemplified. Her accomplishments are unprecedented, she is a legend. I wonder if Althea Gibson knew that when she tried to gain entry into the USLTA's National Grass Court Championships, she was also paving the way for other African-American tennis players, as well and propelling the sport of tennis into the future? Whether she knew or not, Althea believed in herself and her talents and wanted an equal opportunity to compete for the U.S. Open. Through this she gained the respect and support of Alice Marble and the country as a whole. In 2003 at the age of 76 the great Althea Gibson passed away, but her unprecedented impact on the sport of tennis can still be seen today, through Venus and Serena Williams and will be present for many years to come. To live a life of purpose is to live a life of courage. Althea Gibson's courage lives on even in her death.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson is a great role model for all african-american athletes. At the age of 14 she started playing tennis. No matter what people put her through she fought through it and became a legend in history. She led the way for many other african american athletes. Althea Gibson had courage and made her dream come true. She has inspired me to never give up and follow my dreams.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson was a first African American that participates and completed the US national tennis game. At the age of 14 which she began to win tournament shows. As she got older of age she retired. After the accomplishments althea readers today they can do anything positive and stay on track!!
ReplyDeleteRobika Jeannot A Block
The story of Athena Gibson is a perfect example of how you can achieve anything you set your mind to. She took her dreams and managed to make them into her reality. She became the first African-American tennis player to compete in a U.S. national tennis competition, doing so against all odds and what seemed like the world against her. If that wasn’t enough, she won Wimbledon at 30 years old, a relatively “advanced age” in tennis time. Her impact paved the way for the future generations, giving them a chance to achieve their dreams as well. Her achievements probably weren’t accepted around the country at first, since racism and segregation were still such a big issue in the 50’s. After time, of course, her vast achievements became acknowledged, and she was elected into the International Hall of Fame in 1971.
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i'm posting it on my account because she says hers won't work at all.
Michael Perez
ReplyDeleteAlthea Gibson
Sixty-one years ago today, in 1950, Althea Gibson claimed her spot in history by becoming the first African-American to open on the United States tennis tour. On August 22nd, the officials from the USLTA (United States Lawn Tennis Association) welcomed Gibson into their championship, which is an annual occurring event that takes place in New York. Althea Gibson grew up in Harlem, and always had a natural athletic ability. At the young age of fourteen-years-old she began to play tennis, and just a short year after, she won her very first tournament. It is well known that Gibson went on to achieve an endless amount of accomplishments after her first New York State girls’ championship. Today, Althea Gibson is recognized for not only becoming the first African-American in the U.S. tennis tour, but for also setting the bar at high expectations for other, and all African-American tennis players.
mike perez b block
In 1950, Althea Gibson was the first African-American named to open the United States tennis tour.At the age of fourteen years old she began to play tennis, and a year after, she won her first tennis tournament. On August 22nd, the officials from the USLTA (United States Lawn Tennis Association) welcomed Gibson into their championship, which is an annual event that takes place in New York. Althea Gibson was a New York native and was raised in Harlem. Gibson was a natural athlete as a child,athletic skills came easy. Althea Gibson is a role model to many people for following her dream and being the first African-American in the U.S tennis tour.
ReplyDeleteIan Rodriguez Block G
Althea Gibson was a World No. 1 American sportswoman who became the first African-American woman to be a competitor on the world tennis tour and the first to win a Grand Slam title in 1956. She is often referred to as "the Jackie Robinson of tennis" for breaking the color barrier. Gibson became the first African American woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour, in 1964. Her best finish on the tour was a tie for second after a three-way playoff at the 1970 Len Immke Buick Open. Gibson retired from professional golf at the end of the 1978 season. In 1971, Gibson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and in 1975, she was appointed the New Jersey state commissioner of athletics.
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