Arthur Ashe: Breaking color barriers and fighting for AIDS/HIV awareness

Written By: Jackie Rae

Arthur Ashe is often remembered for his monumental achievements in tennis, becoming the first Black man to win the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open. His talent and determination on the court broke racial barriers, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes. However, Ashe's legacy extends far beyond his tennis accolades; he was also a tireless advocate for civil rights, social justice, and HIV/AIDS awareness, and his influence continues to resonate today.

Ashe was born in Richmond, Virginia, in the segregated South. With racism and a consorted effort to deny Black equality running rampant in Virginia, Ashe was denied access to the same resources and opportunities as their white counterparts. Instead, he learned to play tennis on the segregated courts of a municipal park where his father was the caretaker.

By the age of seven, Ashe's talent was undeniable. Recognizing his potential, local trainer Ron Charity introduced him to Dr. Robert Walter Johnson, a pioneer in African American tennis. Dr. Johnson took Ashe under his wing, emphasizing technical skills, sportsmanship, humility, and composure—values that would define Ashe's career and his approach to life.

Although his skills made him an undeniable athlete — maintaining his composure as systemic racism barred him from competing against white players became too much.  Soon, Ashe left Richmond, hoping to find more equality in St. Louis.  There, he trained on the National Guard's indoor courts during his senior year of high school and competed in previously segregated tournaments. He won both the U.S. Interscholastic Championships and the National Junior Indoor Championships, marking the beginning of his historic career and his fight for equality. 

In 1963, Ashe earned a tennis scholarship to UCLA, where he won both the NCAA singles and doubles titles. He became the first Black player named to the U.S. Davis Cup team, eventually helping the U.S. secure four Davis Cup victories and later serving as the team captain. In 1968, Ashe made history by winning the U.S. Open, becoming the first Black man and the only amateur to claim the title. His victory was groundbreaking not only for its athletic significance but also for its impact on a country that refused to acknowledge Black people as equals.

Ashe used his accomplishments and his tennis platform to fight for social justice. In the 1970s, he became increasingly vocal about civil rights and was involved in several initiatives aimed at breaking down racial barriers. His involvement in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa was not only commendable but also made many Americans more invested in addressing the country's racist treatment of its Black citizens.

Ashe was denied a visa to compete in South Africa because of his race for several years. When he finally received a visa in 1973, he used the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and highlight the ongoing racial discrimination in the country. Ashe's trip to South Africa was more than just a sporting event; it was a political statement. By competing in the South African Open and winning the men's doubles with his former rival, Tom Okker, Ashe broke the color barrier in South African tennis two decades before the end of apartheid. Beyond the tennis court, he funded the construction of a tennis center for Black South Africans in Soweto, demonstrating his commitment to social change through words and actions.

Life took a turn for Ashe in 1979.  Health issues resulted in him undergoing heart surgery. He officially retired in 1980 at the age of 36, but while the surgery was a success, it presented Ashe with a new challenge. During the surgery, Ashe received a blood transfusion — it is believed this is when he contracted HIV.

At the time, misinformation about HIV/AIDS was rampant.  The disease was widely believed only to affect gay men and drug users. Ashe initially kept his diagnosis private, but in 1992, after learning that USA Today was about to publish a story about his illness, he chose to go public.

Going public with his diagnosis was pivotal in the fight against the disease and educating the public. He used his platform to dispel myths and advocate for better healthcare and more funding for research. He established the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, pledging significant resources to support HIV/AIDS research and education, particularly in countries outside the United States.

Eric Allen Hall, an associate professor at Northern Illinois University and author of Arthur Ashe: Tennis and Justice in the Civil Rights Era, noted that Ashe's influence in destigmatizing HIV/AIDS was profound. "He was a squeaky-clean figure, so it was hard to look at him and think, 'Oh, he deserves it because X, Y, and Z,' like many folks would say when they would find out that somebody gay had AIDS, for instance, or a drug user had AIDS," Hall explained. "He was the ideal person to destigmatize the disease."

The fight to raise awareness regarding HIV/Aids never derailed Ashe from his fight for equality for the Black community. At a time when the disease was spreading quickly through the Black community, Ashe, as well as Magic Johnson, changed the narrative. Ravi Perry, chair of the Department of Political Science at Howard University, highlighted the broader implications of Ashe and Johnson sharing their diagnosis.

"After both of them came out with their diagnosis, it became a federal agenda item in the presidential campaign in 1992; health care became a significant issue that helped propel Clinton's first term," Perry noted.

Ashe was deeply involved in promoting health equity and access to sports for youth, particularly within the Black community. His work with the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health aimed to address health disparities in underserved communities, and he consistently spoke out against systemic injustices. His efforts helped shift public perceptions, challenge stereotypes, and bring much-needed attention to issues that disproportionately affected Black communities. Nearly 30 years after his death, Ashe's legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists, athletes, and everyday citizens.

The world has made significant strides since Ashe's time, but his work remains as relevant as ever. Racial disparities in health, particularly regarding HIV, persist, and activists continue to fight for equality and justice in the face of systemic challenges. As we reflect on Ashe's life and legacy, it is clear that his journey was not just about breaking tennis court records but also breaking societal barriers.

Arthur Ashe showed us that the fight for justice and equality is a marathon, not a sprint. His life serves as a reminder that each of us has a role to play in creating a more equitable and just world, whether on the court, in our communities, or on the global stage. His legacy is a call to action, encouraging all of us to continue the work he so passionately began.