Schomburg Center for Research
in Black Culture
Media Alert/Press Conference
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20th @ 3:30 P.M.
ARTHUR ASHE PAPERS DONATED TO SCHOMBURG CENTER
Background:
Tennis champion and human rights activist, Arthur Ashe was one of the world’s
most renowned and respected athletes. Considered by many to be among the 100
most important people in American sports history, Ashe was widely admired for
a life of deep conviction, commitment and integrity, both on and off the court.
A tennis pioneer, he was the first African-American to play in the Davis Cup
and the first black male to win the United States Open and Wimbledon. As a founder,
leader, and member of numerous organizations, he fought injustice in the sports,
social, political and medical arenas.
WHAT:
Announcement of The Arthur Ashe Papers (1959 – 2003). Ashe’s wife,
Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe recently donated the tennis star’s papers to the
Schomburg Center on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his death in 1993.
The collection contains correspondence; speeches and other writings by Ashe,
including his autobiography Days of Grace: A Memoir written with Arnold
Rampersad; articles and clippings; awards and tributes; photographs; tapes;
memorabilia; and records documenting his involvement in numerous organizations
and projects, including handwritten notes from his trip to South Africa and
meeting with Nelson Mandela in 1991.
The papers include drafts and research materials
compiled by Ashe for his three-volume history of African-American athletes,
Hard Road to Glory, donated to the center in 1990. In the collection
are letters from Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Archbishop Desmond
Tutu, six American presidents, other public officials, fellow athletes, friends,
and fans. Selected items from the collection will be on view.
WHO:
Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Howard Dodson, Director, Schomburg Center for Research
in Black Culture, Hon. David N. Dinkins, former Mayor of New York and board
member, U.S. Tennis Association.
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 3:30 P.M.
WHERE:
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, American Negro Theatre
515 Malcolm X Blvd., at 135th Street
Transportation to the Schomburg Center will
be provided. A Premier Coach will await journalists outside the United Nations
beginning at 2:30 p.m.
RSVP:
Joan K. Harris, 212-491-2259, jkharris@nypl.org
