Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson was a pioneering black athlete who achieved success in tennis, golf, and other sports, breaking barriers and facing discrimination along the way. Her biography, Serving Herself, explores her life and career, highlighting her achievements and struggles against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and second-wave feminism. Gibson was a talented and competitive athlete who sought to be treated as an individual rather than a representative of her race or gender. She faced numerous challenges and barriers but persevered, finding success in various fields and advocating for black athletes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Althea Gibson, a trailblazing tennis champion who played a pivotal role in integrating American sports, emerged as one of the most renowned women in the world during her time. Her journey began with humble beginnings on the streets of Harlem, where she started playing paddle tennis as a teenager. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including systemic racism and sexism, Gibson achieved remarkable success on the tennis court, securing eleven Grand Slam titles. However, her athletic prowess extended beyond tennis, as she ventured into professional golf, becoming the first African American to compete at the highest level.

In this comprehensive biography, Ashley Brown delves into the public and private life of Althea Gibson (1927-2003). Drawing upon extensive archival research and oral histories, Serving Herself provides a detailed account of Gibson's life and choices, placing them within the broader context of the Great Migration, Jim Crow racism, the integration of American sports, the civil rights movement, the Cold War, and second-wave feminism. Throughout her career, Gibson navigated the complex expectations of her supporters and adversaries, including the black-led American Tennis Association, the white-led United States Lawn Tennis Association, and the media, particularly the Black press and the community's expectations that she selflessly serve as a representative of her race.

Gibson was an incredibly talented, ultra-competitive, and sometimes polarizing athlete who prioritized being treated as an individual rather than a member of a specific race or gender. She was reluctant to openly discuss the indignities and prejudices she faced as an African American woman, although she encountered numerous institutional and societal barriers in pursuing her goals. Despite these challenges, Gibson remained unwavering in her pursuit of excellence, frequently defying conventional norms of femininity and placing her career ahead of romantic relationships.

Her achievements on the tennis court and in golf not only broke down barriers but also inspired generations of athletes and individuals who followed in her footsteps. Gibson's legacy continues to be celebrated as a symbol of resilience, determination, and the power of sports to transcend societal boundaries. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down stereotypes and promoting equality in all aspects of life.

Weight: 922g
Dimension: 242 x 165 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197551752