ON TUESDAY, JUNE 16TH, HALL OF FAMER ROBERT RYLAND, THE FIRST BLACK TENNIS PROFESSIONAL IN AMERICA, CELEBRATED HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

In 1959 Robert Ryland broke through barriers of race and class, and became the first African-American tennis professional. His success in both American Tennis Association (ATA), and integrated amateur tournaments around the country, made him one of the best known Black players in the United States.  In 2009, in honor of his lifetime of achievements, he was inducted into the Black Tennis Hall Fame (BTHOF). 

At the Class of 2019 Induction Ceremony, Mr. Ryland graced us with his presence at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Brooklyn New York, and shared a bit of his wisdom in person, as he shares it in his book.

"I THINK, IF I HAD NOT PLAYED TENNIS, I WOULD NEVER BECOME 99 YEARS OLD."

Robert Ryland 100 from Black Tennis Hall of Fame on Vimeo.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH HIGHLIGHT - 2019 Induction Ceremony Acceptance Speeches Of Regional Legends Norvell A. Brown, Dr. Emily Moore and Lonnie White

2019 BTHOF - Norvell A. Brown from Black Tennis Hall of Fame on Vimeo.

2019 BTHOF - Dr. Emily Moore from Black Tennis Hall of Fame on Vimeo.

2019 BTHOF - Lonnie White from Black Tennis Hall of Fame on Vimeo.

Hall Of Famer Richard Russell Was Unable To Attend 2019 Induction Ceremony, But Shared A Touching Acceptance Speech From Jamaica

2019 BTHOF - Richard Russell Acceptance Speech from Shelia Curry on Vimeo.

Hall Of Famer Benny Sims, Jr. Captures The Audience With Notable Life And Career Moments During 2019 Induction Ceremony Acceptance Speech

2019 BTHOF - Benny Sims, Jr. from Shelia Curry on Vimeo.

Hall Of Famer Phil Williamson Speaks To The Great Significance Of Black Tennis History During Acceptance Speech At 2019 Black Tennis Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

BTHOF 2019 - Phil Williamson from Shelia Curry on Vimeo.

12th Annual Black Tennis Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony