Althea Gibson, a remarkable athlete, made headlines with her exceptional performance in two sports—tennis and golf. With an impressive record of winning 11 Grand Slam tennis titles, she not only established herself as a prominent athlete but also became the first Black golfer to compete on the LPGA. Despite her remarkable achievements, Gibson’s name remains unfamiliar to many in the world of golf.
Recognizing the need to change this, Ashley Brown, an assistant professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a profound interest in Gibson, took it upon herself to shed light on her remarkable life. Undertaking extensive research, Brown meticulously documented Gibson’s journey in her highly acclaimed biography, “Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson”. This remarkable literary work earned Brown the prestigious Herbert Warren Wind Award bestowed by the USGA, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to golf literature.
An Early Encounter Sparks Interest
Brown’s fascination with Gibson began at a young age. As a third-grader, she stumbled upon a book about Gibson during a visit to the library. Captivated by her story, Brown devoured the book from cover to cover. Although she herself didn’t embrace golf until her college years, the sport was always a part of her childhood. With her uncle being an avid golfer and golf tournaments frequently featured on television at home, the allure of the game was never far away.
Later, as Brown prepared to pursue her education at George Washington University and dug deeper into African Americans’ involvement in golf, she stumbled upon a photograph of Gibson.
What struck Brown was her realization that Gibson, known for her groundbreaking achievements in tennis, was also the first African American woman to compete on the LPGA Tour—a fact previously unknown to Brown.
A Fortuitous Confluence of Events
It was during the spring of 2010, as Brown geared up for her move to Washington for graduate school, that everything fell into place. Brown’s love for the game had intensified since reading “Golf and the American Country Club” the previous fall. Coupled with her newfound fascination with Gibson, who had conquered both the tennis and golf world, she felt compelled to investigate further.
Perusing through the pages of “Uneven Lies” by Pete McDaniel, Brown gained a deeper appreciation for Gibson’s tennis accomplishments. Breaking the color barrier in a sport historically dominated by white athletes held immense significance. However, Gibson’s accomplishment did not stop there. Just a few years later, she embarked on yet another journey, breaking the color barrier in golf. Intrigued by the experiences she must have had and the challenges she undoubtedly faced, Brown felt an unyielding desire to delve into the remarkable story of Althea Gibson.
Thus began Brown’s decade-long exploration, unearthing the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Gibson. Her discoveries showcased the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied societal expectations and surpassed all limitations.
A Lasting Impact
The resonance of Gibson’s challenges and achievements with a modern audience remains strong, even two decades after her death. Brown often ponders the remarkable tenacity that defined Gibson’s life. In her own words, Gibson stated, “If I see something and it appeals to me, I do it.” Her unwavering determination disregarded others’ preconceptions of what a tennis player or golfer should be, allowing her to pave the way for countless others to follow.
The recognition of Brown’s extraordinary biography, “Serving Herself,” with the Herbert Warren Wind Award, has solidified its place of honor at the USGA Museum and Library in Far Hills, N.J. For those eager to delve into the profound journey of Althea Gibson, copies of the book can be purchased here.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Who was Althea Gibson?
Althea Gibson was a trailblazing athlete who excelled in both tennis and golf. She won 11 Grand Slam tennis titles and became the first Black golfer to compete on the LPGA Tour.
What is the Herbert Warren Wind Award?
The Herbert Warren Wind Award is the USGA’s highest honor in publishing, recognizing outstanding contributions to golf literature. Ashley Brown’s biography, “Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson,” received this prestigious award.
Where can I purchase “Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson”?
Copies of “Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson” can be purchased online here.
Leave a Reply