Arthur Ashe
[New York], ca. 1987-1990
Arthur Ashe 7pp on Athletes & Religion: "African-American athletes… take their rightful place in other sport as well"
Manuscript

A selection of manuscript pages removed from the personal contact book of tennis champion Arthur Ashe (1943-1993). 7pp, 8.5" x 11", [New York], dated between June 1987 and February 1990. Annotated on both sides in ballpoint or ink, the front of each consists almost entirely of contact names and numbers, with Ashe using the verso for various notes, ideas and quotes. Highlighted contents include his thoughts on the achievements of African American athletes, as well as a series of bible quotes from the Book of Revelations. Exhibits general age toning and tearing near perforated margins. Minor ink smudging throughout. Else, very good to near fine.

Excerpts include:

- "The achievements of African-Americans in sports competition are exemplary and legendary. In particular, success has been concentrated in the Big Five: baseball, football, basketball, boxing, and track. But as the decade of the 1990's approaches, new African-Americans Star in other sports and positions have emerged: Zina Garrison and Lori McNeil in tennis, Debi Thomas in figure skating; and John Thompson, coach of Georgetown U., as examples. The BT&SF's [Black Tennis & Sports Foundation] raison d'etre is to assist athletic programs."

- "The whole world is familiar with the exploits of African-American athletes, especially in the Big Five Sports of boxing, baseball, basketball, track and football. These performances were aided in no small part by competition, coaching, and facilities in public schools & public parks. But as we approach the year 2000, African-American athletes will begin to take their rightful place in other sport as well. We shall see world champions in tennis, golf, figure skating, swimming, fencing, wrestling, among others. With your help, the BT&SF [Black Tennis & Sports Foundation] will continue to provide assistance to our most promising & deserving young athletes."

- "PRESENT SITUATION. [written in bullet points]/ Private club oriented though 90% (in survey) play on public courts./ Public perception of 'eliteness' (expensive)/ Public school varsity programs finish second to USTA tournaments/ Public parks facilities & instruction not very good/ Black teaching pros do not belong to USPTA or USPTR/ Most programs are to keep kids out of trouble/ Attempts to avoid culture clashes (except at tournaments)/ Perception that same factor at private clubs are better/ USTA Sections are not understaffed/ Junior programs/ Selection for advance privileges not objective enough/ Short term view (being abated) to teach kids instead of kids & coaches/ Too many tournaments at private clubs/ NJTL [National Junior Tennis & Learning] had a built in limit."

- "BLACK OR MINORITY CONCERNS [written in bullet points]/ Best black prospects are family projects; Jackson, Martin, Ingram, Washington/ Expensive relative to other sports/ Lack of year round court time vs time for private club/ Communication is difficult (difficult language, dress, etc.)/ Black tennis administration reluctant to join 'white groups'/ Arvelia Myers passed over in ETA [Eastern Tennis Association]/ Virginia Glass telling off Randy Gregson/ Arkansas high school girl/ Lenward Simpson & Cedar Bluff & Cherokee C.C."

- "Revelations 2:10/ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried;… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

- "Revelations 3:19/ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

- "[Revelations] 3:20/ Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

- "John 6:54/ Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Arthur Ashe was an American professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam titles in singles and two in doubles over his historic career. Ashe was the first Black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team, and the only Black man ever to win the singles titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. Prior to his retirement in 1980, he peaked at world No. 1 in 1975, having received the player of the year award by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). His later life was marked by struggles related to HIV/AIDS before his death from pneumonia at the age of 49.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Manuscript

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