Childhood and Education Journey of Arthur Ashe in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Arthur Ashe, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Arthur Ashe was a highly accomplished American professional tennis player. He secured three Grand Slam singles titles and two in doubles. Notably, Ashe broke barriers as the first Black player chosen for the United States Davis Cup team. His achievements also include being the only Black man to ever win the singles championships at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. Ashe's impactful career concluded with his retirement in 1980.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

July 10, 1943: Arthur Ashe's Birth

On July 10, 1943, Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia. He became a celebrated American professional tennis player.

Others born on this day/year

March 1950: Death of Mattie Cordell Cunningham Ashe

In March 1950, Arthur Ashe's mother, Mattie, died from complications related to a toxemic pregnancy at the age of 27, when Ashe was 6 years old.

1953: Coaching by Robert Walter Johnson

In 1953, Arthur Ashe began being coached and mentored by Robert Walter Johnson at his tennis summer camp home in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ashe was aged 10 at the time.

1960: Continued Coaching by Robert Walter Johnson

In 1960, Arthur Ashe continued being coached and mentored by Robert Walter Johnson at his tennis summer camp home in Lynchburg, Virginia. This mentorship began in 1953 when Ashe was 10.

1960: Move to St. Louis

In 1960, Arthur Ashe moved to St. Louis to attend Sumner High School, where he could compete more freely in tennis due to segregation policies in Richmond, Virginia.

1963: Tennis Scholarship to UCLA

In 1963, Arthur Ashe was awarded a tennis scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

August 4, 1966: Joined United States Army

On August 4, 1966, Arthur Ashe joined the United States Army after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

February 23, 1968: Promotion to 1st Lieutenant

On February 23, 1968, Arthur Ashe was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army.

February 22, 1969: Honorable Discharge from the Army

On February 22, 1969, Arthur Ashe was honorably discharged from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

October 1976: Ashe meets Jeanne Moutoussamy

In October 1976, Arthur Ashe met photographer and graphic artist Jeanne Moutoussamy at a United Negro College Fund benefit.

February 20, 1977: Ashe marries Jeanne Moutoussamy

On February 20, 1977, Arthur Ashe married Jeanne Moutoussamy in a ceremony officiated by Andrew Young at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City.

1977: Andrew Young officiated Ashe's wedding

In 1977, Andrew Young officiated Arthur Ashe's wedding to Jeanne Moutoussamy.

1982: Ashe co-founds Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid

In 1982, Arthur Ashe joined Harry Belafonte to form the group Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid, which advocated for a cultural boycott of South Africa.

1983: HIV Acquisition

In 1983, Arthur Ashe is believed to have acquired HIV from a blood transfusion during heart bypass surgery.

January 11, 1985: Ashe arrested at anti-apartheid protest

On January 11, 1985, Arthur Ashe was arrested for protesting outside the Embassy of South Africa in Washington, D.C., during an anti-apartheid rally.

December 1986: Ashe and Moutoussamy Adopt Daughter

In December 1986, Arthur Ashe and Jeanne Moutoussamy adopted a daughter, naming her Camera.

1989: Death of Arthur Ashe Sr.

In 1989, Arthur Ashe's father, Arthur Ashe Sr., passed away.

1991: Ashe visits South Africa with prominent African Americans

In 1991, Arthur Ashe joined Quincy Jones and 30 other prominent African Americans on a visit to South Africa to observe the country's political changes towards racial integration.

April 8, 1992: Ashe publicly announces he has HIV

On April 8, 1992, Arthur Ashe publicly announced that he had contracted HIV, preempting a story by USA Today. He expressed relief at no longer needing to hide his illness.

April 1992: Public Announcement of HIV Illness

In April 1992, Arthur Ashe publicly announced that he had HIV and began working to educate others about HIV and AIDS.

September 18, 1992: Ashe arrested protesting treatment of Haitian refugees

On September 18, 1992, Arthur Ashe was arrested outside the White House while protesting with TransAfrica against the recent crackdown on Haitian refugees.

December 1, 1992: Ashe Addresses the United Nations on World AIDS Day

On World AIDS Day, December 1, 1992, Arthur Ashe addressed the United Nations General Assembly. He spoke about the growing need for AIDS awareness and increased research funding.