First Black Professional Tennis Player (jan 1, 1959 – dec 31, 1959)
Description:
Key players:Bob Ryland
Three-sentence description:
Bob broke the color barrier in professional tennis in 1959 at the age of 39. He first competed in the World Pro Championships in Cleveland. This was the first time something like this happened in tennis, and it causes young black men across the world to have a new dream.
Lasting effect
Bob caused so many great tennis players by making young players just want to beat him and make a change for their culture.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1959
dec 31, 1959
~ 12 months