In their own words: John Borden on Black History Month

Of course, there are several people who were instrumental in the direction my career took. I certainly wouldn’t be here without all the support and love I received from my mother, who also was an elementary school principal. In fact, right out of college, I worked as a substitute teacher in my mom’s school, where I learned so much about leadership—especially in a learning environment—by observing her lead a team of educators and support staff every day. I also credit my career path not only to my aunt Susan, but also my cousin Tonya, for modeling excellence in tennis and sportsmanship: Tonya played for four years at Northwestern University then on the pro tour.

In this industry, I’ve learned so much from both Mike Esz and Ajay Pant, who each trusted me with things way above my experience level. While I’m sure they both would shy away from me calling them “mentors,” they each are excellent role models who taught me the skills I needed for my career. I owe them so much.

When I think about Black History Month, I consider both the horrors and injustices that have taken place and which continue to challenge all of us, but also, I think of the individual and collective excellence of the descendants of the African slaves who were brought to these shores, who managed to excel despite systems that were designed to exclude them.

Throughout my life and career, I’ve been so thankful for those who took the time to help me along the way, who mentored me, and who kept me on a path to where I now can help and influence future generations of Americans. 

If I had a Black History Month wish, it would be to see the day that Black leadership, especially in tennis, was a norm and not a novelty. If I had to make a Black History Month commitment, it would be to mentor and train the next generation of leaders, in and out of tennis.