ALTHEA GIBSON'S LEGACY

Trailblazing multi-sport athlete Althea Gibson (1927–2003) broke barriers as the first Black woman to compete at Wimbledon and win Grand Slam titles. She ended her career with 11 Grand Slam titles, including two U.S. National Championships (now U.S. Open). She is the twentieth and final woman honored as part of the American Women Quarters Program, our partnership with the U.S. Mint. In celebration for the quarter's release, staff writer Meredith Herndon interviewed Don Felder, Althea's second cousin, for an inside perspective on Althea's influence within her own family and the bittersweet contrast between the treatment Althea received while competing and the public recognition she is receiving after her passing.

Could you share what Althea Gibson was like as a member of your family — beyond her public achievements?

Althea's mother and my grandfather were brother and sister. Growing up together in New York, our families were very close. My mother and Althea's mother were extremely close, and we were always at her house. Althea was traveling extensively, so she was rarely home when we would visit outside of the holidays, but she was very family oriented.

I inherited many of her personal effects after her passing, and I found a list of all the family members with their birthdays. Everyone would get cards on their birthdays. She really kept in touch and sent so many letters—lots of letters—not just to the family but to friends and other athletes. I have telegrams between Althea and Alex Haley (author of Roots: The Saga of an American Family), and letters of support and encouragement to Venus [Williams] when she first played at Wimbledon [in 1997].

She always tried to be a mentor—it was very important to her. When she was home in New York, she'd come to our school as a guest speaker. She'd show up in her Wightman blazer and bring us up on stage with her. That's how everyone in junior high and high school knew me as Althea's cousin. We were so proud to have a family member that was in that league and that caliber.

Althea Gibson (USA) holds the Ladies' Singles trophy on Centre Court after winning the title against Angela Mortimer at The Championships in 1958. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Credit: AELTC/Arthur Cole.

Althea not only changed tennis but also paved the way for future generations of women and athletes of color. Players like Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and Venus and Serena Williams have all cited her as a major source of inspiration. The 2025 US Open theme was"75 Years of Breaking Barriers" in honor of Althea becoming the first Black player in a tournament 75 years ago. If Althea could see this recognition today, what do you imagine her response might be?

I think Althea would be very, very proud, honored, and humbled. She mentioned to a nephew that she knew she would not receive just recognition while she was alive. And that's exactly what's happening at the U.S. Open and now the new quarter.

I find it a bit ironic that she's being honored on a quarter when she didn't make a lot of money playing tennis. In fact, there were many times that she toured and was not paid at all. Friends like Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson actually donated and gave her money for travel and hotels because she didn't make any money.

In the end, her financial situation really got to her. She'd watch these tennis games and hear that there's a $1 million pot, and it was bittersweet for her. There were tennis clubs where she played and she couldn't get in the front door, couldn't use the locker room, and had to change in her car. She had it tough, but she was thick-skinned. I think she dismissed a lot of it—she had to. And if she could see it all now, I know she would be so proud and honored.

When you first saw the design of the Althea Gibson quarter, what was your reaction?

I was involved in the design process and actually submitted photos to the U.S. Mint. Together with the rest of the family, we selected about 13 images and sent them to the Mint. When the design was released and we saw which one was used, we were thrilled. It is perfect. It really captures her and is so similar to the photo.

As a coin collector, you know the importance of coins in telling America's story. What does it mean to you to see Althea's story preserved and shared through this quarter?

Every coin tells a story. To see all the women in the American Women Quarters Program, including Althea, recognized in such a public way—it's a big a reflection of American history and what we're trying to talk about in it. To honor these women who maybe didn't get much recognition in their lifetime, to tell their story and get their names out there. I know that, more and more, people are moving away from currency and coins and using their phones. But, as a coin collector since childhood, I see how important it is and feel what an honor it is.

I said to my sister,"Can you imagine we go into a store now and get change with our family member on the coin?" It's quite exciting!

Beyond her athletic achievements, Althea often spoke about the importance of education. How do you see that part of her legacy?

In East Orange, New Jersey, there's a primary school named after Althea, the Althea Gibson Academy. Education and mentorship were so important to her, and to see a school full of children who know who she is and what she stood for—it's just amazing. Someone from the Althea Gibson estate will go speak at the school on occasion, and I'm sure we will do an event with them celebrating the quarter release. It will add an even higher regard for the name of the school they're attending and their connection with her.

Is there anything you'd like to share about Althea that you feel people don't always know or recognize?

Althea was appointed as the first African American sports ambassador by the U.S. government in the 1960s—during a time of high racial tension. She traveled the world and represented African American athletes on a global stage, but when she came home, she'd get nasty letters and be called names. I think if she could see it all today, she'd be overwhelmed. She'd be honored. It's a shame she couldn't experience this in her lifetime, but I think she's out there smiling upon us, very pleased.

To read the complete article, see:
Every Coin Tells a Story: Althea Gibson's Family Reflects on Her Legacy (womenshistory.si.edu/blog/every-coin-tells-story-althea-gibsons-family-reflects-her-legacy)

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