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
Pro Quarterback Magazine: A Nostalgic Journey Through NFL History
Although it is difficult to get much information on when the first issue was
Legends and Leisure: Stadium-Inspired Seating for Themed Restaurants
Sports culture has a powerful way of bringing people together, and themed restaurants are
The Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of the 1970s
Well, I have refrained from discussing this topic, because I know that it will
How Sports Betting Has Shaped Kansas – A Historical Overview
Sports betting has a rich history in the United States, with each state contributing
1986 World Series Flashback: The Mets Triumph Over the Red Sox
The New York Mets franchise began with seven losing seasons in a row, 1962–1968.
From Peach Bowl Bets to Online Wagers – A Look at Georgia’s Gambling History
In spite of a noticeable uptick in calls for legalizing sports betting in Georgia over
What Builds A Football (Soccer) Player’s Ego?
Football (soccer), like many sports, is a game not only of skill but also
Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1946 thru 1973)
Most modern-day NFL football fans are familiar with the dynasty of the New England