The Black Tennis Foundation of Philadelphia, Inc.
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The Black Tennis Foundation of Philadelphia, Inc.
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On April 24, 1992, just two weeks after he announced that he had the aids virus, the late tennis great and humanitarian Arthur Ashe made his annual trip to Philadelphia to participate in a fundraiser at the center named after him in the Manayunk section of the city. During the evening, Arthur participated in discussions focused on the need to form a joint partnership in an effort to drastically improve tennis opportunities for minority junior players in our city. He asked all present the following question, "what is the black tennis community in Philadelphia doing to support promising minority players like Traci Green?" The response to the burning question was not very encouraging. It was stated efforts were very fragmented at best. Shortly after this historic conversation, Arthur contacted noted civic leader Clarence Farmer and suggested a comprehensive effort be made to make things happen. Inspired by Arthur's suggestion, Clarence organized meetings with community leaders and discussed the need to help promising African American junior players. As a direct result of these conversations and actions, The Black Tennis Foundation of Philadelphia, Inc. was founded. The organizations first fundraiser and tennis exhibition was held at the home of Bernard And Mila Chavis. The following top African American junior players attended and showcased their talents: Traci Green, Aaron Moore, Mark and Mike Hill, Kristen Harris, Kevin Robinson, Lance Lee, Louis Bolling, and Hank Hamilton. |
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