On this Tuesday, at 10 a.m. the City of Tallahassee will rename Wannish Way after the late Althea Gibson, a distinguished alumna of FAMU. The ceremony will take place at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, located at 1800 Wahnish Way.
Gibson’s achievements in tennis and golf broke barriers for Black athletes and women.
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey remarked, "By honoring Althea Gibson with a street name, the City celebrates her legacy and contributions to both athletics and civil rights. Her determination and success opened doors around the world for other women and people of color. It’s my hope that seeing her name each day on Althea Gibson Way will continue to inspire everyone to work toward their dreams."
Althea Gibson's trailblazing journey in sports began with her historic triumphs in tennis. In 1956, she became the first African American tennis player to win the French Open, subsequently achieving the top rank in the world in 1957. Her victories at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1957 and 1958 solidified her status as a tennis legend. Beyond her sporting accolades, Gibson's impact resonated far beyond the court, serving as an inspiration for generations of athletes, including Arthur Ashe, Zina Garrison, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams.
Transitioning to a second career, Gibson shattered barriers once again by becoming the first Black member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), further cementing her legacy as a pioneer in multiple sports.
Born in Silver, South Carolina, in 1927, Gibson's journey to greatness took root in the vibrant community of Harlem, New York. It was there that her athletic prowess began to flourish, nurtured by organizations such as the Police Athletic League and the American Tennis Association (ATA), both founded by Black players.
Gibson's connection to FAMU, where she pursued her studies on an athletic scholarship under the guidance of Coach Jake Gaither, remains an integral part of her legacy. Mentored in tennis and golf by Coach Hansel Tookes, Gibson excelled both on the court and in her academic pursuits, graduating in 1953.
Reflecting on Gibson's impact, FAMU President Larry Robinson, shared, "One of my most treasured memories as President was to attend the Althea Gibson statue unveiling at the 2019 U.S. Open. It was such a special day for Rattlers, and in addition to the dedication of the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex on campus, this street renaming truly brings it home as we recognize an outstanding American who is an inspiration to us all."