Skip to Main Content
American Masters

Althea: Race in the Sport of Tennis

Althea Gibson wasn't concerned with representing her race, she just wanted to play.

09/04/2015 | Rating NR

American Masters

Althea: Race in the Sport of Tennis

Clip: 9/4/2015 | 1m 21sVideo has Closed Captions

Althea Gibson wasn't concerned with representing her race, she just wanted to play.

Althea Gibson was one of the country's best tennis players at a time when, because of her race, she wouldn't be granted membership to most tennis clubs. Though race concerned the tennis world, it didn't concern Gibson as much. According to Arvelia Myers, Althea Gibson’s friend and tennis professional, and tennis champion Billie Jean King, Gibson just wanted to the right to play and compete.

09/04/2015 | Rating NR

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Funding for American Masters is provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Rosalind P. Walter, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, The Blanche & Irving Laurie...

Support provided by:

AARP

Althea Gibson at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills

Video has Closed Captions

Clip: 9/4/2015 | 1m 49s | Home movies of Althea Gibson practicing at the esteemed club in New York City. (1m 49s)

Althea - Preview

Video has Closed Captions

Preview: 9/4/2015 | 2m 24s | The story of Althea Gibson, queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. (2m 24s)

Filmmaker Interview with Rex Miller: Making "Althea"

Video has Closed Captions

Clip: 9/4/2015 | 2m 45s | A photo Althea Gibson with his mother was the film director's original inspiration. (2m 45s)

Providing Support for PBS.org

Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship

Support for PBS provided by:

Funding for American Masters is provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Rosalind P. Walter, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, The Blanche & Irving Laurie...

Sign in with Email

or

Continue with GoogleContinue with FacebookContinue with Apple

By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Are you sure you want to remove null from My List?