July 21, 1957 – A milestone moment in sports history. A young lady by the name of Althea Gibson became the African-American to win a major US tennis tournament. Miss Gibson opened the door and inspired many black athletes to compete at sports that had in the past not been available for them to participate in.
In 1956, she became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title when she took home the French Championships. The following year she won both Wimbledon and this US Nationals (precursor of the US Open). It wasn’t a fluke either as she repeated and won them both again in 1958 and was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
TAKE THIS JOB and LOVE IT!!!
INTRO (JINGLE): AMERICAN TOP 40 CASEY KASEM (IMPRESSION): You’re listening to AT 40, coming
1967 Oakland Raiders (AFL Champions)
Before we break down the Oakland Raider’s 1967 season, let’s take a quick look
Remembering the Epic 2010 Formula One Season
In 2024, Formula One finds itself at a point that it hasn’t seen in
How Sports Podcasts are Enhancing Connections Between Fans and Athletes
The days when sports fans had to rely on live broadcasts and the next
Unforgettable Rivalries: College Football’s Greatest Showdowns
College football rivalries aren’t just games; they are spectacles that encompass history, pride, and
Earnie Shavers: Boxing’s Heavy Hitter
Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes called him the hardest puncher they ever faced, harder
A Brief History of Sports Video Games
As the new NFL, Premier League, and, a bit later, NBA seasons get underway,
YESSIREE, BOB…BACKLUND! ONE NITE ONLY
INTRO: A CHORUS OF CRUNCHY HEAVY METAL GUITARS ANNOUNCER: Welcome to another head-banging, rocket-fueled,