(Source: USTA Florida)
The 2025 US Open is honoring Althea Gibson, one of the most influential figures in tennis history, marking 75 years since she broke the sport’s color barrier. Gibson, a Florida A&M (FAMU) University alumna and the first Black player to win a Grand Slam title, is being celebrated throughout the tournament with events that highlight her legacy and the ongoing impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in tennis.
FAMU at US Open HBCU Live
On August 27, the US Open hosted HBCU Live. The event celebrated the culture, pride, and legacy of HBCUs, as well as having extra importance with the tournament’s tribute to Gibson. Her achievements not only transformed tennis but also opened doors for generations of athletes from underrepresented communities.
During Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the 2025 US Open, the FAMU tennis team had the opportunity to hit on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium court, continuing the celebration for Althea Gibson. As part of the day’s festivities, the team showcased their skills in front of a national audience, representing both their university and the HBCU tennis community.
Adding to the energy and pride of the moment, FAMU’s renowned Marching 100 performed on the court and during the HBCU Yard Experience, bringing their signature sound and spirit to one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Dana Andrews, former USTA Florida President, emphasized the importance of Gibson’s legacy and the impact HBCUs have on Florida tennis. “Althea attended Florida-based HBCU, Florida A&M University. USTA Florida has engaged with the HBCUs within our state as a cornerstone of our advocacy work, growing tennis for all,” she said. “Our investment is assuring long-term growth of the game for generations. We are thrilled that FAMU was part of the celebration at the US Open, representing the school, our state, and the trailblazer that is Althea Gibson.”
The celebration continued with the US Open’s annual Equity Talk, Althea’s Legacy: Celebrating a New Era in Black Tennis. The panel was led by Emmy Award-winning sports analyst Monica McNutt. It also featured tennis trailblazer Leslie Allen, actor Boris Kodjoe, coach Kamau Murray, as well as 2017 US Open champion and Florida’s own, Sloane Stephens. The discussion focused on Gibson’s influence and the ongoing efforts to amplify Black voices in tennis.
Florida Voices on Althea Gibson’s Legacy
Florida is home to four HBCUs, Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters University, Florida Memorial University, and FAMU. Student-athletes from Edward Waters University reflected on what Gibson’s recognition means for HBCUs and the future of tennis.
“The honoring of Althea Gibson is very important for all student athletes across the United States but specially for the ones in HBCUs, the fact that she was the first African American to break barriers in the sport it’s not only inspiring but groundbreaking,” Sophia Lopez, a sophomore at EWU said.
Another player, Marie Pascale-Levry, added to this, saying that Gibson is a great role model for all, showing that anything is possible. “Althea Gibson’s legacy reminds us that breaking barriers creates opportunities for generations to come,” she said. “Honoring her at the US Open inspires student-athletes at HBCUs to keep chasing excellence and shows that their voices and talents matter on the biggest stages.”
In addition to the celebrations, the USTA announced that applications for the Althea Gibson HBCU Scholarship Program will open on September 26, 2025, with two students receiving $10,000 scholarships in partnership with the HBCU Week Foundation.
Florida’s presence at the US Open, led by Florida A&M University, added depth and meaning to the celebration of Althea Gibson’s legacy, connecting her historic achievements to the state’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and excellence in tennis.
To learn more about how USTA Florida is supporting the Black community and partnering with HBCUs across the state, visit ustaflorida.com/amplify.
