Black History Month Hero - Dr. Robert Johnson

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Honored posthumously, by being elected this year to the International Tennis Hall of Fame was the late Dr. Robert “Whirlwind” Johnson. Dr Johnson, who lived from1899 to 1971, was the founder and director of the American Tennis Association (ATA) Junior Development Program. He worked for decades assisting in the development of young African-American tennis players while helping to break the barriers of racial segregation.

He is credited with launching the highly successful careers of such notable champions as Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, the nation's first African-American tennis champions, and themselves each Hall of Fame alumni.

Image Source: wikipedia

For many years Dr. Johnson made his home in Lynchburg Va. (where he was the first African American physician to receive practice rights at Lynchburg General Hospital). There he provided a place for aspiring black players to train and participate in integrated exhibitions and tournaments with players like Bobby Riggs. In a time of continued segregation, in a southern location, public courts where blacks could play and train were scarce or non-existent.  During the years that spanned the 1950s-1960s he provided training and encouragement to both black and white youth alike through the program that he created, the ATA Junior Development Program. His home and training center have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002.

There were two contributor awards this year, in the class of 2009. The criteria for both was as follows:

"Contributors: Donald L. Dell and Dr. Robert Johnson (posthumously)
Exceptional contributions that have furthered the growth, reputation and character of the sport, in categories such as administration, media, coaching and officiating. Contributor candidates do not need to be retired from their activities related to the sport to be considered."

Source: TennisFame.com

Other honorees for 2009 were: Nine-time Grand Slam Singles Champion Monica Seles ,  Spain’s Master Player Andres Gimeno along with Contributors Donald L. Dell and Dr. Robert Johnson.

Source: TennisFame.com