"Proud of your greatness as a tennis player, prouder of your greatness as a man. Your stand should bridge the gap between races and inspire black people the world over and also affect the decency of all Americans." Jackie Robinson, September 10th 1968 Congratulatory Telegram to US Open Winner, Lieutenant Arthur Ashe who paid $20 per diem while his $14,000 prize money went to the runner-up, Tom Okker
What a Royal Box Day 14: The Royal Box for the Men’s Wimbledon Final Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of a Tennis Legend
Sunday, July 13th 2025 Celebrates the Wimbledon victory that changed the world: Arthur Ashe and his Wimbledon 50 Anniversary
Dear Kensington Palce, it's evident in the body language of Arthur Ashe's widow, Mrs. Jeanne Ashe, that your team, TRH The Prince & Princess of Wales, and the Wimbledon staff rolled out the royal red carpet (or in this case the green carpet) for the family and friends of tennis legend and humanitarian, Mr. Arthur Ashe, in honour of the historic 50th anniversary historic defeat of favored player, Jimmy Connors. On the royal box videos, Mrs. Ashe and Mr. Johnnie Ashe (Arthur's brother) appeared to be deeply humbled by your support of them and the Ashe legacy. From Wimbledon, Arthur Ashe changed the world. How sweet to see Prince George and Princess Charlotte sincerely honoured to make their acquaintance. Well done! 👍🏿👑GRITS
Wimbledon Reporter Sarah Edworthy: "Arthur Ashe famously said “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome” – a twist on Kipling’s famous appeal to treat the two imposters of Triumph and Disaster just the same, lines which Alcaraz and Sinner saw emblazoned above the entrance to Centre Court en route to their third final this year.
On this the 50th anniversary of Ashe’s Wimbledon victory, it was tremendous to see among special Royal Box guests Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, his widow, who sat with Camera Ashe and Johnnie Ashe, the great American’s daughter and brother.
Also taking his place in the distinctive green wicker chairs was Henry Louis “Skip” Gates Jr, a leading Harvard professor and the first African-American speaker at the Royal Academy annual dinner in the RA’s 250-year history. Skip knew Ashe well and covered Wimbledon for Time magazine in the 1970s."
"The Wimbledon Compendium summary of that sun-baked Championships 50 years ago serves as a reminder of the thrill of Ashe’s impactful win:
“[He] became the first black Gentlemen’s Singles Champion, as he defied the predictions of many experts to beat the bullish top seed, and reigning champion, Jimmy Connors in four sets.”
Tennis star Arthur Ashe gives a lengthy TV interview that aired on June 2, 1992, eight months before his death from AIDS-related pneumonia.
Ashe was the first black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team and the only black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open.
Wimbledon tribute to Arthur Ashe featuring vocals by Gregory Porter
The anniversary party sat among some of Ashe’s playing peers and fellow Wimbledon champions, notably fellow American Stan Smith (1972) and Jan Kodes (1973).
Champions from further along the timeline included Stefan Edberg (1988, 1990), Andre Agassi (1992), Richard Krajicek (1996) and Lleyton Hewitt (2002).
American icon Chris Evert, champion here in 1974, 1976 and 1981, was in the Royal Box to witness the latest instalment of the great rivalry developing between Alcaraz and Sinner. Her status in the women’s game as one half of its unparalleled all-time duopoly – with Martina Navratilova – is a touchstone of inspiration for players in all events.
Another athlete sitting in one of the sought after spots in the Royal Box today was Mark Precious, a former student at University College in Oxford.The former field hockey player won the bronze medal with the British team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
After winning the US Open in 1968 and becoming the first African-American man to win a major, Arthur Ashe received a congratulatory telegram from baseball legend Jackie Robinson that read:
"Proud of your greatness as a tennis player, prouder of your greatness as a man. Your stand should bridge the gap between races and inspire black people the world over and also affect the decency of all Americans."
In a famous incident, Arthur Ashe, as an amateur in 1968, won the first US Open, but was ineligible to accept the prize money. The $14,000 prize went to the runner-up, Tom Okker, while Ashe received only a $20 per diem. This was because Ashe was in the Army at the time and chose to maintain his amateur status to remain eligible for the Davis Cup.
GRITS: I was a young student when one of my father's heros, Arthur Ashe, passed away in 1993. If my memory serves me correct, I read aloud this poem : "Where Are You Going, Great-Heart?" by William Arthur Dunkerley aka "John Oxenham" Manchester, Lancashire, England, UK
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
With your eager face and your fiery grace?-
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To fight a fight with all my might,
For Truth and Justice, God and Right,
To grace all Life with His fair Light."
Then God go with you, Great-Heart!
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To beard the Devil in his den;
To smite him with the strength of ten;
To set at large the souls of men."
Then God go with you, Great-Heart!
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To end the rule of knavery;
To break the yoke of slavery;
To give the world delivery."
Then God go with you, Great-Heart!
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To hurl high-stationed evil down;
To set the Cross above the crown;
To spread abroad my King's renown."
Then God go with you, Great-Heart!
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To cleanse the earth of noisome things;
To draw from life its poison-stings;
To give free play to Freedom's wings."
Then God go with you, Great-Heart!
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To lift To-day above the Past;
To make To-morrow sure and fast;
To nail God's colors to the mast."
Then God go with you, Great-Heart!
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To break down old dividing-lines;
To carry out my Lord's designs;
To build again His broken shrines."
Then God go with you, Great-Heart!
Where are you going, Great-Heart?
"To set all burdened peoples free
To win for all God's liberty;
To 'stablish His sweet sovereignty."
God goeth with you, Great-Heart!
Analysis of "Where Are You Going, Great-Heart?" by John Oxenham:
"A powerful and inspiring poem that captures the spirit of idealism and the pursuit of a better world. The poem consists of a series of questions and answers, with each question posed to "Great-Heart," a symbol of hope and determination.
Great-Heart's responses reveal a profound commitment to fighting for truth, justice, and the liberation of humanity. He embarks on a journey to challenge evil, break down barriers, and spread the message of love and freedom. The poem's language is simple and direct, yet it conveys a powerful sense of purpose and conviction.
Compared to Oxenham's other works, this poem stands out for its optimistic tone and its focus on collective action. It reflects the idealism and social consciousness that characterized the early 20th century, a time of great social and political upheaval.
In terms of its impact on the time period, the poem served as a rallying cry for those fighting for social justice and human rights. It provided inspiration and hope during a time of great uncertainty and struggle. Its message of hope and determination continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to strive for a better future."
William Arthur Dunkerley: Pen name John Oxenham, Julian Ross OccupationJournalist, novelist, poet, publisher Nationality British Period 1892 to 1931
(12 November 1852–23 January 1941)
Dunkerley wrote under his own name, and also as John Oxenham for his poetry, hymn-writing, and novels.
An English journalist, novelist and poet. He was born in Manchester, spent a short time after his marriage in the US before moving to Ealing, West London, where he served as deacon and teacher at the Ealing Congregational Church from the 1880s. In 1922 he moved to Worthing in Sussex, where he became the town's mayor.
Advocating for Medical Privacy at the National Press Club
Arthur Ashe on Larry King Live: Tennis star Arthur Ashe gives a lengthy TV interview that aired on June 2, 1992, eight months before his death from AIDS-related pneumonia. Ashe was the first black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team and the only black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open.
