ALTHEA: Lessons on Breaking Barriers

ALTHEA: Lessons on Breaking Barriers

In 1950, at the age of 23, Althea Gibson stepped on the court at Forest Hills in New York to play in the US Nationals (the precursor to the US Open). When she did she became the first black player to do so. Gibson broke through the racist ceiling of US tennis through her hard work and her tenacity. But hard work alone didn’t get her there. She had assists from leaders in the black community and other allies. 

"Sleeve tugs" happen. #truth

"Sleeve tugs" happen. #truth

If you’re reading this then you are one powerful and badass woman. You are righteous. You are strong. But chances are you’ve felt some ‘sleeve tugs’ more than a few times, and let them distract you from who you really are.

“Sleeve tugs” can either throw you into a spiral of self-doubt and anxiety, or have the power to re-center you in the present, if you let them. So what “sleeve tugs” are getting your attention?