Trailblazers in Black History: Althea Gibson, Tennis Legend

Published on YouTube on Jun 30, 2015

American Masters: Althea premieres nationwide Friday, September 4, 2015, 9-10:30 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). #AltheaPBS

Discover the story of Althea Gibson (1927-2003), a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, who emerged as the unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. Bringing a fierce athleticism to the game, she was the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open) — a decade before Arthur Ashe. Gibson’s life and achievements transcend sports, and are part of African-American history. The documentary explores Gibson’s roots as a sharecropper’s daughter, her family’s migration north to Harlem in the 30s, and her mentoring from boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and others. Interviewees include Dinkins, Wimbledon champion Dick Savitt and Billie Jean King, who also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. Produced and directed by Rex Miller (A Chef’s Life, Private Violence).