2013 US Open: Tennis Legend Althea Gibson Recognized with Commemorative Stamp

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at Internationaled.org

Published: August 23, 2013

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The Althea Gibson commemorative stamp went on sale today.

The stamp is part of the United States Postal Service's Black Heritage Series. It recognizes Gibson, the first African American to win a Grand Slam.

Tennis great Billy Jean King was on hand this morning to unveil the stamp on the grounds of the Billy Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. 

It also comes on the anniversary of Gibson's debut at the U.S. Open.

After intense lobbying on the part of the American Tennis Association, on August 22, 1950, Gibson was invited to compete in the United States National Championships, now the U.S. Open.  



The ATA is the oldest African American sports organization in the U.S. The organization traces its origins back to the late 1800s when historically black universities such as Tuskegee and Howard offered tennis to their students.

However, it wasn't until after the United States Lawn and Tennis Association (now the USTA) barred blacks from participation that the elite among blacks involved in tennis established the ATA.

 

Under the ATA, black tennis players participated in tournaments all over the country. But no matter how many tournaments they won, they were denied the opportunity to compete in the most prestigious events, including Grand Slams.    

Gibson was the first black player of either gender ever selected to play at the US Championships. She made her debut three days later on her 23rd birthday.

Camille Riggs-Mosley, whose late husband Dwight Mosley was the first African American elected to the USTA Board of Directors, told Bleacher Report that Gibson's career is to be treasured by all tennis fans. 

"This stamp and this recognition is important to all tennis fans," said Riggs-Mosley, who once served as chair of the USTA National Multicultural Participa...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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