Watching Naomi Osaka stride into Arthur Ashe Stadium for last night’s semifinal reminded me of a champion who was never allowed to play there.
In 1917, Lucy Diggs Slowe won the first American Tennis Association women’s title, becoming the first Black woman to win a national championship in any major sport. Over her career, she claimed 17 ATA titles.
A founding member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1908, she dominated segregated courts while white champions played at venues that would not admit her.
This U.S. Open honors Althea Gibson’s 1957 win. But Slowe’s greatness was buried decades before Gibson picked up a racket.
No integrated crowds witnessed her dominance.
No chance that being undeniably better would ever matter.
So she built what would.
Howard University’s first Dean of Women in 1922. Building the foundation for a generation of Black women scholars and leaders - institutions that would outlast any tournament.
Last night, Osaka played her heart out and came up short.
Lucy Diggs Slowe won everything there was to win in her sport as a Black woman in 1917. When the world ignored those victories, she built institutions that are still standing.
Theme: “Knowledge Makers”
Date Published: Friday, September 5, 2025