BHM: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives growing within USTA

If you are African American and were involved in tennis back in the day, there were only a few role models that you had. Now, if you fast forward to today, times have changed dramatically. Diversity initiatives have created more opportunities for African American players, coaches and volunteers.

February is Black History Month. This month honors the past and celebrates the future. African Americans have made contributions to the game of tennis at all levels.

Over time, the landscape for African Americans like me has evolved. Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson were premier players who paved the way for this current generation of players, coaches and volunteers. Tennis history will highlight the careers of players like Zina Garrison and Lori McNeil. Coaches like John Wilkerson, Dr. Walter Johnson and David Lash also left their coaching footprint on public parks and recreation centers as well.

The American Tennis Association (ATA) is also collaborating with USTA and USTA Southern in sponsoring programs designed to increase the visibility and membership levels of both organizations.

USTA Southern has been a pioneering champion in providing access and entry for new ideas and new approaches. This has meant more openness and more opportunity for African Americans. New aspirants and those with dreams deferred are moving with confidence as they actualize their goals and objectives.

USTA Southern, through the intentional and sustained efforts of Cee Jai Jones, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has sponsored events for HBCU players and coaches. One of the USTA Southern/HBCU initiatives has been to sponsor a high school day that allows junior players to showcase their talents for scholarship consideration. Coaches have benefitted greatly from this recruitment activity.

Tennis has been an important part of the athletic programs at HBCUs for many years. Schools like Jackson State University (Miss.), Johnson C. Smith University (N.C.), Morehouse College (Ga.) and Tuskegee University (Ala.) have had intercollegiate tennis programs for many years. Many of their players have participated in both USTA and ATA tournaments.

Diversity outreach events are also spawning new volunteers that are African American. We are seeing more lines people, officials and umpires each year. Friends are telling friends about this opportunity. Who knows, there may be a Grand Slam umpire in the wings just waiting to be discovered.

As the month of February unfolds and Black History Month is observed, it takes a collective effort to develop and implement new paradigms. These shifts will bring about new players, coaches and volunteers. The future of diversity is bright with the USTA.

James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D. is a member of the Black Tennis Hall of Fame and a former chair of the USTA Southern Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Committee.