International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum To Present Special Exhibit for National Black History Month
"Breaking the Barriers" Celebrates the History of Blacks in TennisFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kat Anderson
194 Bellevue Ave.
Newport,
401-849-3990
kat@tennisfame.com
01/29/07 - Newport, RI--In recognition of National Black History month, the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum will present a new exhibit entitled Breaking the Barriers, honoring the achievements of African Americans in tennis.
Breaking the Barriers, on view starting February 2nd in the Hall of Fame Museum, will spotlight the American Tennis Association (ATA), the earliest African American sports organization. Founded in 1916, the ATA organized competitive tennis opportunities for the black community, encouraged player development and fought discrimination in the sport.
A special focus will be on the familiar names of Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, both Hall of Famers. Gibson, inducted into the Hall in 1971, was the first African American to win a major championship - the 1956 French Nationals. Attaining the world No.1 ranking, Gibson personified the beauty and power of the sport.
Arthur Ashe, inducted in 1985, was the first black man to capture a Grand Slam singles title - the 1968 US Open. However, he was more than just a champion of tennis; in addition to his 13 titles and Davis Cup play, Ashe was a pioneer of causes for the underprivileged. Breaking the Barriers will also contain two unique exhibit items from the Hall of Fame Museum’s collection: a telegram from Jackie Robinson to Arthur Ashe congratulating him on his 1968 US Open victory and a letter to Ashe penned by Martin Luther King, Jr.
There are many individuals who blazed new trails and paved the way for equality in tennis - Jimmie McDaniel, Dr. Reginald Weir, George Stewart, Tally Holmes, Gerald Norman, Lucy Diggs Slowe, Ora Mae Washington, and Dr. Robert Johnson - to name a few. Breaking the Barriers will showcase the origins and history of the ATA, while presenting the unheralded people and their significant achievements in the growth of African American tennis.
Additionally, contemporary black players, including Zina Garrison, Lori McNeil and MaliVai Washington, will be featured. These pro athletes competed on the Hall’s legendary grass courts in Newport during their careers.
Breaking the Barriers will feature objects from the Museum’s permanent collection as well as items on loan from The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York City Public Library), including rare photographs, trophies, memorabilia and printed materials depicting the story of African Americans in tennis. The exhibit will be on view throughout February 2007.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is located at 194 Bellevue Avenue in the heart of historic Newport, RI. The Hall of Fame Museum is open daily 9:30am-5:00pm. Regular Museum admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children (16 and under), $7 for seniors/military/students with ID, and $23 for a family.
For more information on the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum, its collections, exhibits and programs, visit www.tennisfame.com or call 401-849-3990.
Links:
www.tennisfame.com
