WATCH: Althea Gibson and the History of Tennis at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture

Damion Thomas, Museum Curator of Sports for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, explored the gender and racial dynamics of tennis as told through the life story of Hall of Famer Althea Gibson, who broke tennis’ color barrier when she became the first African-American to compete at the U.S. National Championships. The lecture was moderated by Katrina Adams, immediate past President, Chairperson, and CEO of the United States Tennis Association.

This presentation was made possible through the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s designation as a Smithsonian Affiliate, a prestigious distinction that was earned in 2017, and with support from Citizens Bank.