Althea Gibson became the first African American to win Wimbledon in 1957

July 6

On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first African American to win Wimbledon. 

Althea Gibson is a legend, to say the least. She made history throughout her career, breaking through color barriers and switching sports. With a passion for both tennis and golf, Gibson joined the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour in 1964. She was the first Black woman to join. 

After retiring from competitive sports, Gibson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971. 

Althea Gibson died in 2003.

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Sources

A&E Television Networks. (n.d.-a). Althea Gibson becomes first African American player on U.S. Tennis Tour. History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/althea-gibson-becomes-first-african-american-on-u-s-tennis-tour

A&E Television Networks. (n.d.-b). Althea Gibson is first African American to win Wimbledon | July 6, 1957. History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/althea-gibson-is-first-african-american-to-win-wimbledon