Arthur Ashe Biography and Quotes
Birthday: July 10th, 1943
Commemoration: February 6th, 1993
Nationality: American
49
Years Old
Famously Known For
Arthur Ashe was the only African American to win the United States open as well as the Wimbledon singles titles.
Ashe ranked number one in the Tennis charts and earned himself an induction to the World Tennis Hall of Fame. Ashe was also a known activist.
Arthur raised awareness of HIV AIDS across the globe.
Early Life
Arthur grew up in Richmond, Virginia. During his early years, he lived with his mother, Mattie Cordell Cunningham Ashe. He got writing skills through taking instructions from his mother. His father was a caretaker in suburban North Richmond.
He grew up playing Tennis at home. At age six he got coaching from Walter Johnson, an African American doctor who opened up his home for upcoming Tennis talents.
He attended the Richmond City Public Schools and graduated with a diploma from Maggie Walker High school in 1961.
Personal Life
Ashe met his wife Jeanne Moutoussamy at a United Negro College fundraising meeting in 1976. His wife was a photographer, and the two remained together until Ashe’s death. The two had a daughter named Camera whom they adopted in 1986.
Career
After the death of his mother, Ashe began playing Tennis. His efforts caught the attention of a tennis coach Dr. Robert Walter Johnson. He participated in the junior national championship and later relocated to St. Louis and won the Junior National title in 1960 and 1961 consecutively.
By 1969 Ashe had become the top money winner. He, along other stakeholders, founded the Association of Tennis Professionals. Arthur’s star continued to shine, and in 1973 he was the first African American to reach the South African Open finals held in Johannesburg.
In 1975, he was named the best player of the year.
Death
Ashe passed on in New York on February 6, 1993, from AIDS and pneumonia.