ATA & Diversity, Equity and Belonging
At the Asheville Tennis Association, we believe that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are vital in the growth and development of the sport of tennis. The current climate in our country has underscored and solidified our determination to support the inclusion and engagement of ALL people to tennis in Western NC. The ATA aims to promote the value of differences and create a welcoming environment. We invite any feedback or volunteers who would like to help us in achieving the goal of accessibility to our beloved sport and community. Feel free to reach out to us here.
SAVE THE DATE! Triples Pride Event at Aston Park June 13
Mark your calendar for the next Triples Pride event, June 13 2025, at Aston Park!
BUY (BLACK) LOCAL
Here is a list of 85 local black-owned businesses in Asheville compiled by AVL Today - Here is a list of some local Black owned businesses that would really appreciate your support. Please take a look and see if you can patronize any of them.
Hood Huggers International Green Book serves as a starting guide for anyone interested in supporting the resiliency of the African American community in Asheville. The Color of Asheville manages a Black-Owned Business & Community Directory also.
On this page, you will find articles, videos, and quotes from many leaders in tennis and the world of sports, sharing their feelings and experiences pertaining to systemic racism. These are provided in order for us to better understand where we have been as a society and where we strive to be.
Articles of Interest
The rich and nuanced history of black people in tennis. Keeping it 100: From the American Tennis Association to Brienne Minor by Rhiannon Walker
Billie Jean King: The First Female Athlete-Activist Billie Jean King isn’t interested in being a legend — she’s interested in succession. Her latest memoir follows two previous efforts to sum up her extraordinary career — one spent as a former No. 1-ranked tennis player, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, a founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and, of course, winner of the Battle of the Sexes versus Bobby Riggs in 1973. She’s up to something more overtly political now with “All In,” and the urgency with which she writes — here with Johnette Howard and Maryanne Vollers — about her life’s work as an activist gives one the sense that it’s essential to her that the mantle is passed to the next generations (and that they’re fired up about it!).
Let's come together to end the hate by Michael Chang | May 03, 2021 In his essay, Chang addresses the disturbing wave of recent hate crimes aimed at Asian-Americans in the U.S., and calls for an end to the overwhelming ignorance and mistrust that have fueled them. Chang’s message is one of tolerance, understanding, and unity—all vitally important ingredients in ending this unacceptable wave of hatred and healing the fractures in American society.
Where are the black men in tennis? The sport needs iconic athletes to draw new generations of players
Top 10 African-American Tennis Players of All Time
Black tennis history By Rhiannon Walker: The rich history of black people and tennis in the United States goes back close to 110 years. It includes names such as Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Zina Garrison, and Venus and Serena Williams. It also includes some little-known tidbits.
In celebration of Black History Month this year, USTA.com takes a look at the courageous pioneers who helped to change the face of this sport, as well as those who have followed in their footsteps and today use their platforms—at every level of the game—to champion change and open doors of opportunity for others.