Althea Gibson, First Black to Win Wimbledon, Getty Images
On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first African American to win at Wimbledon. Gibson was an American tennis player who didn't turned pro until she was 31 years old.
Gibson was not only the first black tennis player to win Wimbledon, she was also the first to win the U.S. Open in 1958.
Gibson won a total of five Grand Slam titles:
-- U.S. Open: 1958 and 1957
-- Wimbledon: 1957 and 1958
-- Roland Garros: 1956
According to a website in her honor, In 1957 and 1958 Gibson was the top-ranked U.S. women's tennis player.
Later in life, Gibson turned to professional golf and was the first African American woman to join the LPGA.
In 1971 she was included in the prestigious Tennis Hall of Fame.
She died at the age of 76 in New Jersey of cancer.
To learn more click on Althea Gibson.
AltheaGibson.com