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.

A Major Event For The Preservation And Rememberance Of The Life And Contributions Of American Tennis Great Althea Gibson At 2019 U.S. Open

Althea Gibson Monument Unveiled On Day One of 2019 U.S. Open

The historic occasion of  the Althea Gibson Statue Unveiling on Monday, August 26, 2019, the first day of the U.S. Open, raised so many different levels of thoughts and feelings.  The day was beautiful, the weather was good and the crowd was large, we were about to witness a tremendous turn around in the consistent lack of preservation and honor that Ms. Gibson has long deserved.

The greatness that Ms. Gibson brought to the Black community, the tennis world and America should have already afforded her legacy the dignity and respect that many who have done far less have already received.

This incredible Black woman was the first to break the color barrier of the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) in 1950, and played in the U. S. National Tennis Championships in Forest Hills. She became the first African-American player to play in Wimbledon in 1951. She won the French Open Championship in 1956. Ms. Gibson won the U.S. National Championships and Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. These victories were especially historic because the winner’s trophy was presented to her by Queen Elizabeth.

Ms. Gibson also broke the color barrier in golf, launching her golf career in 1964 and joining the
Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

On the day of the Unveiling, Immediate Past United States Tennis Association (USTA) President Katrina Adams, and former tennis professionals Leslie Allen and Zina Garrison, all gave tribute to, and discussed the depth of what Ms. Gibson meant to them and the role that her mentorship played in their becoming successful players. Witnessing these Black women honor the fact that had there been no Althea Gibson, they would not be where they are today, paid well deserved, respectful and loving tribute to yet another history making and door opening Black American woman.

American tennis great Billie Jean King, Angela Buxton, Ms. Gibson's former doubles partner, and the creator of the monument, Eric Goulder, also discussed and paid wonderful tribute to Ms. Gibson. Of particular note was Mr. Goulder's detailing of his concept in creating the monument.  During an interview he talked about, "The bust portion sitting atop a box, the box representing the box that the world tried to keep her in, and her now sitting atop that box she is depicted having broken out of it." And that, "Her shoulder is especially depicted in the way that it is, because so many now stand on it."

Talking to Mr. Goulder brought so much more conceptual meaning to his work. Upon returning to the statue, I now saw it in a totally different light, and was also spiritually enlightened by it.

Ms. Buxton, shared memories of her long-time friend.  “We won both the French and Wimbledon doubles together with my arm around her both times at the closing ceremonies,” noted Gibson’s former doubles partner Angela Buxton during the ceremony. “she slowly became the Jackie Robinson of tennis and I was soon referred to as the Pee Wee Reese, who without saying a word indicated, “This is my friend.”

The sculpture also will activate an augmented reality experience. Developed by MRM/McCann, visitors will be able to activate exclusive content about Althea Gibson’s life and legacy by focusing the Augmented Reality (AR) Viewfinder found within the 2019 US Open app onto the sculpture.  Narrated by Billie Jean King, the additional AR experience traces Althea’s humble roots, her early interest and involvement in tennis, her career and her legacy through video footage, photos and graphics.  Fans can also view the AR experience anywhere by using the APP to place a full-size 3D “hologram” of the sculpture into their surroundings and re-live the experience again or for the very first time.component that brings Gibson's life and career to life for fans on site during the Open via the US Open mobile app.

This honor that the USTA has bestowed upon Ms. Gibson shines such a brighter light on the historic and current day value of the life of Althea Gibson. Later in the day, I stood and watched people of many different cultures stop and observe the monument, take photos in front of it or standing beside it, and reading her quote that is engraved on one of the surrounding granite blocks, "I hope that I have accomplished just one thing: that I have been a credit to tennis and my country.

Historic Highway Marker Unveiled For Durham's Algonquin Tennis Club

Many business, civic leaders and tennis enthusiasts attended the unveiling of the Algonquin Tennis Club, NC Historical Highway Marker in Durham, on Aug. 15, 2019.    Credit: Leoneda Inge / WUNC

A North Carolina Historical Highway Marker was unveiled Thursday, celebrating the all-black Algonquin Tennis Club. Tennis fans of all ages stood in front of the W. D. Hill Parks and Recreation Center in Durham for the unveiling on Fayetteville Street.

Miles Mark Fisher IV came down from Washington, D.C. for the event. The 86-year-old fondly remembers his days learning and playing tennis on those clay courts.

“I started ball-boying here in the 30s," said Fisher, who grew up on Fayetteville Street. "I ball boyed for Althea Gibson, all of the older players. I knew all of them personally.” 

The Algonquin Tennis Club was established in 1922, born out of segregation. Blacks could not play at white tennis establishments, even if they could afford to play there. The Algonquin Tennis Club, which also became a social club, was a place where African-American business leaders, educators and politicians would meet and socialize. 

In 1935, the Durham Committee on Negro Affairs was formed at The Algonquin. Today the organization still exists, known as the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. For more than 30 years, The Algonquin was a prominent meeting space for parties and for black travelers to stay. Just like tennis courts, segregated hotels were hard to come by, especially in the South.

Nathan Garrett, one of the first African American CPAs in North Carolina, and his family were members of The Algonquin. In his memoir published in 2010, "A Palette, Not a Portrait," Garrett said behind the two-story clubhouse "was a generous and well-kept lawn that sloped down to three red-clay tennis courts."

Fisher, who went on to play tennis in college and coach the sport, said those clay courts hosted many tennis tournaments, and the greats would come.

“Althea played here, Arthur Ashe played here, John Lucas, a lot of the top black players played here," said Fisher. "And then sometimes they would have an exhibition with some of the top white players. They would come out here and play.”

The Algonquin clubhouse was destroyed by fire, and the tennis club dissolved in 1964.

American Tennis Association Tournament at the Algonquin Tennis Club in Durham (circa 1950)  Please note Arthur Ashe third youth from right on front row (From "Durham's Hayti" by Andre Vann and Beverly Washington Jones.)

Countdown To Algonquin

“One Week” Until the August 15^th Unveiling

Of the Algonquin Tennis Club Historic Marker

 

Seven Days to Go 

Today is Thursday, August 08, 2019.  Here is a countdown clock that gives the exact time, down to the second, remaining before the gathering to unveil the Algonquin Tennis Club marker.  

 

https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20190815T1830&p0=746&msg=Algonquin+Tennis+Club+Marker+Unveiling&font=cursive

 

The Algonquin Marker is Mounted and Covered

Kudos are due to the employees of the Durham-Area office of the NC Department of Transportation for bringing forth the crane and for installing the marker that will be unveiled on August 15.  Please check out the photos that are at the end of this memo.   A “ceremonial cover” will be placed on the marker for the unveiling.

 

Last Monday at the Durham City Council

The official history of Durham’s celebration of its 150^th year celebration will include the installation of the Algonquin Tennis Club marker.   Mayor Steve Schewel and the other members of the city council invited the marker planning committee to share information about the August 15 program with the council and the audience.   The video of last Monday night’s council meeting can be accessed by clicking onto the following link.   The portion of the council session that pertains to the Algonquin is at the 24^th minute mark of the video.     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLSuB6zJ0mg&list=PLLeX6M8cvLwPpqMIIgToUjvmguXQ_scoc&index=2&t=0s

 

County to Proclaim Aug. 11-17  “Algonquin Week”

There are 23 other NC Highway Historical markers in Durham County.  In honor of the marker that will honor the Algonquin Tennis Club marker, the Durham County Commissioners will put forth a proclamation at their Monday, August 12 meeting declaring August 11-17 to be “Algonquin Week in Durham County.”    

Aug. 13 – Screening of “Negro Durham Marches On”

To add context to the Algonquin Tennis Club marker unveiling, there will be two screenings of this 1940s-era film that was produced by the Durham Business and Professional Chain.   This 28-minute film will be shown at 3:00 PM and again at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, August 13 at the Stanford Warren Library.   There will be a discussion period after each showing.   H.M. “Mickey” Michaux and Marsha Kee will lead the discussion following the 3:00 PM showing of the film.   The film provides a glimpse of the heyday of the Hayti business district in the 1940s and 1950s.  A brief segment of the film spotlights the Algonquin Tennis Club.

 

Recognition by National Black Tennis Hall of Fame

Executive Director Shelia R. Curry and other officials of the Black Tennis Hall of Fame have been informed of the Algonquin Tennis Club marker.   They have posted a story about the ATC unveiling on their official website.   Check it out by clicking onto the following link:  

https://www.blacktennishalloffame.com/2019/08/countdown-to-algonquin-thursday-august.html  

 

John Lucas from the Tennis Channel

Earlier this summer, we have shared information about Joe Williams and Bonnie Logan.   Both of these Durham products had national success in tennis on the collegiate level and/or the professional level.   Another Durham tennis prodigy is John Lucas.   Lucas played toward the end of the glory days of the Algonquin Tennis Club.   He landed on Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” as a 14-year-old tennis phenom.  He topped Pete Maravich’s basketball scoring record in high school.   Lucas was an All-American in both sports at the University of Maryland.   In addition to being the number one pick in the NBA draft to start his professional basketball career, Lucas also played on the professional tennis circuit.   The following link from The Tennis Channel, offers a good profile of Lucas and shows how he teaches basketball and tennis by blending both sports together.

 

https://vimeo.com/205620490




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Hall of Famer Chanda Rubin Delivers An Insightful Acceptance Speech At Black Tennis Hall of Fame 2019 Induction Ceremony

2019 BTHOF - Chanda Rubin from Shelia Curry on Vimeo.

2020 Black Tennis Hall of Fame Nominations Are Now Open!!

Click Here For Nomination Criteria and Form Download

SAVE THE DATE!! 2019 US Open Althea Gibson Statue Unveiling Hosted By Katrina Adams

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.

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

Special moment getting inducted into the @BlackTennisHOF w/ my coach Benny Sims. W/o Bob Ryland, Ora Washington, Althea Gibson & others, there wouldn’t be Zina Garrison @VenusWilliams_ , @serenawilliams Honored to be a part of the history of this great sport. #BTHoF @usta pic.twitter.com/BW52E7RTUk

— Chanda Rubin (@Chanda_Rubin) June 24, 2019

"Black players have the same opportunities now...but that wasn't always the case."
-@Chanda_Rubin

Congratulations to our very own Chanda Rubin on her induction into the @BlackTennisHOF. pic.twitter.com/ieUBbj9Upn

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 25, 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.