THEN: Althea Gibson – Tennis Pioneer; First Black Woman to Win a Grand Slam Title
- Gibson was a World No. 1 sportswoman who became the first African-American female to be a competitor on the world tennis tour and the first to win a Grand Slam title in 1956. She broke many racial barriers in tennis, and was the first African American to be invited to play in the all-England tournament at Wimbledon. She also won the French Open in 1956. In 1957, she went on to win the women’s singles and doubles at Wimbledon. In 1958 she again won both Wimbledon titles. The next year, she turned pro, winning the women’s professional singles title in 1960.