Gibson was born near Sumter, South Carolina, August 25, 1927. She was raised in Harlem, New York and started playing tennis as a kid.

Playing tennis made Gibson a 'first' in many of her accomplishments. Three of those firsts were; In 1956 she won the French Open making her the first Black tennis player to win a major tennis title. Secondly, In 1957 she became the first Black woman to win at Wimbledon. Again in 1957 she became the first Black athelete to win a US national tennis championship.

Althea Gibson dominated women's tennis in the late 1950's. She was the first Black to win Wimbledon. Gibson turned professional in 1958, but women's tennis at that time offered few tournaments and prizes.

After winning the US professional women's title in tennis in 1960, she became a professional golfer, with moderate success. In 1971 she was elected to the National Lawn Tennis Hall of Fame and in 1975 she became the athletic director for the state of New Jersey.

In the last few years Althea's health hasn't been good. Her condition is said to be terminal. Gibson would never ask for help. A group of her friends have organized a foundation to help her called, "Friends of Althea Gibson." For more information follow the link.