Famous Americans

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Arthur Ashe, Jr.

(1943-1993)

Arthur Ashe, Jr. grew up in Richmond, Virginia.

Arthur liked to play tennis. He became a good tennis player.

But Arthur was only allowed to play tennis on certain playgrounds in Richmond because he was African-American.

Virginia, like other states in the south, enforced segregated while Arthur was growing up.

The laws in the south made it illegal for white and colored Americans to live equally with each other.

The best tennis courts in Richmond were only for White players.

So, Arthur's family moved to St. Louis so that Arthur could play tennis against other good players.

Arthur won a Tennis scholarship to UCLA and later became a professional tennis player.

Arthur won many trophies for playing tennis well.

Arthur was the first African American to win the important annual tennis match at Wimbledon in England.

Arthur played tennis around the world and made many friends everywhere.

Arthur was married and had a daughter.

Arther developed heart disease and retired from tennis. He had heart surgery several times.
Arthur Ashe, Jr. died of pneumonia when he was 49 years old.

Netlinks for Arthur Ashe, Jr.

CMG Worldwide: Arthur Ashe

Sports Illustrated: Arthur Ashe Biography Site

Wikipedia: Arthur Ashe, Jr.

Official Site: Arthur Ashe

Notable Biographies: Arthur Ashe

Run Athletes TV: Tribute to Arthur Ashe (video)

International Tennis Hall of Fame: Arthur Ashe Jr.

Answers: Arthur Ashe, Jr. Biography

BIO: Arthur Ashe

Historical Society of Virginia: Arthur Ashe