ARTHUR ASHE

Arthur Ashe was born on July 10, 1943  in Richmond, Virginia. As a child growing up in segregated Richmond, Arthur’s physical stature did little to indicate his future career as a professional athlete. “Skinny as a straw,” Arthur derived countless hours of pleasure reading and listening to music with his mother, Mattie. He also showed a surprising flair for tennis from the first time he picked up a racquet. At the age of six, Mattie passed away suddenly. Though heartbroken, Arthur’s memory of his beloved mother was a source of inspiration throughout his life.