Althea Gibson Film Project & Reel Dreamz TV

Grateful for the 75th Anniversary tribute of Althea Gibson's historic breaking of tennis' whites-only color barrier...but what can't be overlooked were the advocacy of the American Tennis Assn (first & oldest sport org founded by African Americans 1916) and fmr US Nationals Champion, Alice Marble, who wrote an admonishing editorial to the USLTA on why Althea should be offered an invitation to play. And all of the subsequent coaches, players and HBCUs who supported Althea and Black people's quest for equality based on talent & ability. Unfortunately too many who sacrificed to see the growth of the game include them, are not with us anymore and hopefully this is the start of an annual commemoration, like MLB does for Jackie Robinson, so those deserving get their flowers while still here. Thank you Althea and Rex Miller, BTHOF, USTA DEI, Katrina Adams, Billie Jean King, Bob Davis (RIP), John Amos (RIP), Lange Johnson (RIP), Bob Ryland (RIP), Art Carrington, Serena & Venus Williams & their parents, George Henry, Taylor Townsend, Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens, Coco Gauff, Francis Tiafoe, Zina Garrison, John Wilkerson, Lori McNeil, Ellecia Chau, Laura Bowen, Tom Katovski, Bob Moran, Caitlin Thompson, Ray Benton, Kevin Wensing, Robert Raben, Jeanine Conley, Darryl Williams and too many others but lmk what you think, is integrating the sport worthy of tribute each year? Hope the other Slams are so inspired, the 70th Anniversary of her, first Black to win a Grand Slam @ French Open in 1956 is next year ...maybe? Either way, Let's Go Coco!!!

The 2025 US Open theme celebrates 75 years of breaking barriers The 2025 US Open theme honors Althea Gibson for breaking the color barrier in tennis.

The USTA will be honoring Althea Gibson on the 75th Anniversary of her breaking the color barrier at the 2025 US Open Tennis Championships. Perfect time to remember the recent tribute to Ms. Gibson by Bob Moran, TD & Owner, Ben & Kelly Navarro, of Credit One Charleston Open on their 50th Anniversary in 2022. We re-commemorated the Althea Gibson Court, so named in 2004, with a presentation of SC State House Resolution to the Gibson family & estate and had an extraordinary VIP Screening of "ALTHEA" with a stellar Q&A Panel including filmmaker, Rex Miller. My hope is we'll see more programming that educates tennis fans and all who care about true history, on the American Tennis Assn, oldest sports organization founded by African Americans in 1916 and the critical role HBCUs played in tennis' growth, Drs. Johnson & Eaton in developing juniors, etc. Apologies for not sharing more then but as present times have made clear, these recognitions are important, benefit society and essential to inspiring others, our youth especially, to doing great things and moving our world toward a brighter, more equal future. Sports Professionals Association

So blessed to have been in “The View” audience on Whoopi’s birthday and could give her an Althea t-shirt, which she loved and then talked about the historic importance of Althea breaking the color barrier in tennis and golf during commercial break. Unbelievable karma, thanks Whoopi!
Will post more pics from the statue unveiling but just a long awaited moment that was absolutely magical and couldn’t have been more excited for all the fans who’ve waiting for that permanent tribute and its there for good now, thanks to Katrina Adams, the USTA and the advocacy of supporters across the country.