Watch

Althea: Race in the Sport of Tennis

09/04/15 | 1m 21s | Rating: NR

Althea Gibson was one of the country's best tennis players at a time when, because of her race, she wouldn't be granted membership to most tennis clubs. Though race concerned the tennis world, it didn't concern Gibson as much. According to Arvelia Myers, Althea Gibson’s friend and tennis professional, and tennis champion Billie Jean King, Gibson just wanted to the right to play and compete.

FacebookRedditGoogle ClassroomEmail
Funding for American Masters is provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Rosalind P. Walter, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation, Vital Projects Fund, Michael & Helen Schaffer Foundation, The André and Elizabeth Kertész Foundation, and public television viewers. Additional funding for this program is provided by the Browne Charitable Fund and Rema Dupont.
View Transcript

Related Stories from PBS Wisconsin's Blog

Donate to Sign Up

Make your membership gift today

Activate Account

Only for new users: Activate Passport using your code or email address

Need some help? Go to FAQ or visit PBS Passport Help

Need help accessing PBS Wisconsin anywhere?

Need help accessing PBS Wisconsin anywhere?