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June 28, 2019

The 2019 Black Tennis Hall Of Fame Class Advances The Historic Journey Of Black Tennis Players As They Are Honored With Induction


Black Tennis Hall of Fame Board and Administration L-R Board Member D.A. Abrams, Founder Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, President Bob Davis, Hall of Famer Benny Sims, Jr., Board Member Ann Koger, Historian Arthur Carrington, Executive Director Shelia Curry, Board Member Gary Cogar.  (PHOTO CREDIT:  Gary Battle)

With each year's induction ceremony, inductee's careers, opportunities to enjoy those careers, and ability to foster training and education in communities nationwide increases and further builds on the never ending historic progress that was made by African-Americans in the sport of tennis.

L-R Norvell Brown, Chanda Rubin, Lonnie White
On Saturday, June 22, 2019, the Black Tennis Hall of Fame (BTHOF) held its 12th annual induction ceremony in Brooklyn, New York at Brooklyn Borough Hall. The historic building provided the classically civic atmosphere that it truly represents.


Family, friends and colleagues gathered in the 2nd floor courtroom of the building to witness the induction of Pioneers: Nathaniel and Franklyn Jackson and Ted Thompson, Player/Contributors: Richard Russell, Chanda Rubin, Phil Williamson and Benny Sims, Jr. and Regional Legends: Dr. Emily Moore, Arvelia Myers, Lonnie White and Norvell A Brown.

Phil Williamson
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from President Bob Davis, who then followed with acknowledgements of hall of famers in attendance.  Executive Director Shelia Curry followed by boasting the extensive career experiences and community contributions of each inductee individually as they were presented with trophies and plaques

Tennis Channel Broadcast Analyst Chanda Rubin was presented first, as Ms. Rubin had a flight to catch shortly thereafter to continue her many travels to the various tournaments worldwide.


Dr. Emily Moore
United States Tennis Association (USTA) Diversity Manager Esu Ma'at spoke, providing information
on upcoming efforts by the organization to increase and improve their inclusion and diversity efforts.
 
President Bob Davis performed the induction of personal friend Richard Russell of Jamaica, who was unable to attend, but did provide a video taped acceptance (technical difficulty cut the sound).

Adding to the spiritual ambiance of the ceremony, performances were given by the Mt. Moriah Children's Choir and vocalist Anneka Turner accompanied by pianist Howard Robbins. Additionally, poetry was shared by Poet Compton Dodson.
Benny Sims, Jr.
The ceremony closed with a champagne and hors d'oeuvres celebration allowing for pleasant socialization, picture taking, and fond goodbyes.





June 25, 2019

Hall of Famer Chanda Rubin Tweets About The Special Moment Of Her 2019 Induction And Is Congratulated By Tennis Channel Colleagues



June 14, 2019

City of Richmond, Virginia Hosting Three-Day Celebration Honoring Arthur Ashe, Jr.

Arthur Ashe, Jr.
(CREDITS:  Reprint and photos courtesy of Richmond Free Press)

Three days of celebrating Arthur Ashe Jr.

Next week, Richmond’s focus will be on honoring the late hometown tennis star and humanitarian.

The celebration that starts on Thursday, June 20, will be capped at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, with the ceremonial unveiling of new street signs for Arthur Ashe Boulevard between Westwood Avenue, the Arthur Ashe Center and the once whites-only Byrd Park tennis courts from which Mr. Ashe was turned away as a youth.

Thousands of people are expected to turn out for the main event as the Ashe family joins elected officials and a host of others to celebrate the renaming of the 2.5-mile street long known now as The Boulevard.

Georgia Congressman John R. Lewis, a civil rights icon, is to deliver the keynote address at the event that will take place at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 Arthur Ashe Blvd.

“Arthur Ashe is one of Richmond’s true champions,” Mayor Levar M. Stoney stated.

Along with reaching the pinnacle of the sport with three grand slam wins, Mr. Ashe was a “champion for equality and social justice who is more than worthy of this honor,” the mayor noted.

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