Althea Gibson’s story is one of courage, bravery and above all the determination to be a champion. Despite being known for her tennis exploits, Gibson’s life transcended sports as she was thrust into the early Civil Rights movement.
Gibson smashed through the color barriers of professional tennis and golf, blazing a trail for today’s superstars such as Serena and Venus Williams. A year after picking up her first tennis racket in 1941, Gibson was winning local tournaments. She would become the first black player at what is now the U.S. Open and at Wimbledon. In 1957 Gibson became the first black champion at Wimbledon and was the first champion to receive the trophy personally from Queen Elizabeth II. Gibson was also the first black woman to appear on the covers of Sports Illustrated and Time.
Following the screening will be a Q&A with sports broadcast journalist Sam Crenshaw. Crenshaw worked for ESPN, Alive 11 in Atlanta and SportsSouth. He won an Emmy Award in 2003 for best sports performer.
Director: Rex Miller
Type: Film Documentory
Year: 2015
Doors open: 6:30 pm
Curtain: 7:00 pm
Run time: 90 min.
All seats - General Admission
Adults: $8.00, TVAA members: $7.00*, Students $7.00**
*Tickets are discounted for current members of the Tennessee Valley Art Association
**Any school student, including college student
Wheelchair & ADA accessible seating is available. Call 256-383-0533 to reserve.