Born: August 25, 1927, Silver, SC

Education: Florida A & M College, athletic scholarship, B.A., 1953

Died: September 28, 2003, East Orange, NJ

Recalling her career, Gibson declared: “I tried to feel responsibilities to Negroes, but that was a burden on my shoulders” (Schwartz). From segregation to civil rights, however, she shouldered it.

Her experience reflected core values of learning, pride, and uplift. Raised in Harlem, she dominated tennis play in the Police Athletic League before relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina. There physician Hubert Eaton coached her to ten American Tennis Association girls’ singles championships. College competition and teamwork prepared Gibson to face racism and win with dignity. She used those lessons at US competitions when “she often had to find her own lodging, because hotels willing to host white players refused to accommodate Negroes.”

Gibson was pro “tennis’ own Jackie Robinson.” The first black player in the National Indoor Tournament, as well as the first to enter and win the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open tournaments, she integrated women's golf tours (1963). Although never a big money winner, she paved the way for multimillion dollar black stars such as Arthur Ashe, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams. After her retirement, she supervised New Jersey state education and recreation programs for children. Her foundation also focused on disadvantaged minority youths.