The Definition of Success: Arthur Ashe

On July 10th 1943, tennis received one of the most significant contributions; Arthur Ashe was born. Arthur Ashe wasn’t just one of the greatest players in tennis, he was one of the main reasons for tennis’ success. Ashe picked up a racquet as early as seven when he became interested in tennis shortly after his mother Mattie Cunningham died. He started working his magic at the age of ten, when he caught the eye of part-time tennis coach, Ronald Charity. From there on out, Ashe started to take tennis seriously. Four years later, after being taken under Charity’s wing, Ashe competed in the Maryland boy’s championship. This was a huge accomplishment for Ashe, because he wa

“I know if could never forgive myself if I elected to live without humane purpose, without trying to help the poor and unfortunate, without recognizing perhaps the purest joy in life comes with trying to help others.” Ashe didn’t just give back to the game of tennis he served the nation as well. From 1966 to 1968, Ashe served in the army, ranking as high as second lieutenant. He was determined to do more with his life than just tennis and he showed that in 1970, when he attempted to visit South Africa for a prestigious tennis event. He was denied the opportunity because of his skin color. Ashe was appalled by South Africa’s decision and was determined to take action. He called for the expulsion of South Africa from Davis Cup play and the tennis tour due to their oppressive form of government (apartheid), which was based on segregation. Many individuals and organizations throughout the world supported this call for expulsion. His voice was so well respected that Ashe decided to speak out on racial policy, and because of this blacks in South Africa saw changes. Arthur Ashe helped fuel the downfall of segregation across the globe. He didn’t stop in 1970; he pursued the freedom from the shackles of apartheid by becoming an activist against South African Government after his retirement from tennis. By recognizing that the purest joys of life came from helping others, his actions portrayed him as not only an athlete, but a civil rights leader as well.

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” This was Arthur Ashe’s motto. By a glimpse of his lifespan we can see that his statement is valid. Because of Ashe’s outstanding achievements in tennis he broke down barriers for segregation and made it more acceptable for African American athletes to progress. Arthur Ashe was to tennis what Jackie Robinson was to baseball. He brought promise to the eyes of African American’s

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