Despite a meager upbringing in Harlem during the Great Depression, Althea Gibson loved to play ball. Eventually she tried tennis and did very well. At that time, African Americans couldn't play tennis in tournaments with white players. In 1950 Gibson became the first African American allowed to play in the national grass court championship. She later became the top female tennis player after winning tournaments in Forest Hills, New York, and at Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. Her determination and courage inspired many tennis players in the years to come.