RISE

Resilience

Althea Gibson Aug 25, 1927-Sept 28, 2003 Gibson became the first African American woman to compete inpro-world tennis tour and became the first African American to win Grand Slam title in 1956.

In 1957, Gibson won Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals and continued to do so in 1958. Her overall career, allowed her to secure 11 Grand Slams, including six single titles.

Althea Gibson trailblazed her way to making history and paved the way for the black and brown girls to fall in her foot steps. Her athletic accomplishments reflected heavily on the black community and after retirement was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971.

43 years after her success, the next African American woman to win the first U.S. open was Serena Williams.

Intelligence

Mo'ne Davis June 24, 2001Mo'ne Davis is a trailblazing athlete that has caught the nation and world by surprise in her national debut as the first African American woman to ever play in the Little League World Series.

In 2014, 13-year old Davis, became the first female to pitch a complete game shutout and led her team to victory, making it the first win for a female pitcher.

She currently is a student-athlete playing softball for the Hampton University Lady Pirates, continuing to pave the way for other young girls to follow in her footsteps.

She throws a 70-mph fast ball, throwing out the "throwing like a girl" statement, paving way for future i h

Strength

Wilma Rudolph June 23, 1940- Nov 12, 1994 Wilma Rudolph was born in Clarksville, TN and has been a trailblazing athlete when it comes to her strength in athletics

Rudolph suffered from polio and soon came to be one of the fastest women in the world. Starting her medal count in 1956, Rudolph secured a bronze in the 4x100-meter relay, but her journey did not stop there.

It was not until the 1960 Rome Olympics she caught the world by surprise and put on for the black community. She managed to win three gold olympic medals within one Olympic Games, becoming the first American woman to do such at a single olympics game.

Off the track, Wilam Rudolph was right next to civil rights activist and leaders, marching for the civil rights of African Americans in bettement of their experience in the United States.

Empower

Gabriela Douglas December 31, 1995Gariela Douglas, or 'The Flying Squirrel' , was born in Newport, VA and has caught the world by surprise with her abilities to tell a story for the rest of the world.

Gabby Douglas was the first Black gymnast to win Individual All-Around Champion and Olympian. She made history in London in 2012 with her high leaps and ambition, winning over the hearts of millions.

She also, became the first American gymnast to win gold in both the gymnastic individual and team competions in competion in the same Olympic Games.