Tennis Communities Across Florida Celebrate Juneteenth with Help from USTA Florida Grants

Tennis communities across the state came together to celebrate Juneteenth this year, with seven organizations hosting events supported by USTA Florida’s Juneteenth Tennis Event Grants. Through the AMPLIFY initiative, which elevates and celebrates Black voices in tennis throughout the state, USTA Florida awarded one-time reimbursement grants of $200 to support community tennis events tied to the Juneteenth holiday. 

The grant recipients brought the sport to life in their communities, combining tennis with celebration, culture and connection. Collectively, the events drew hundreds of participants and showcased the power of tennis to bring people together. 

The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation led the way with the largest turnout, welcoming 218 people to its Juneteenth celebration. The Jacksonville-based organization, named after the former Wimbledon finalist and Florida native, continues to be a cornerstone of youth development and community engagement in Northeast Florida. 

Fitness, Finance, & Fellowship drew 50 participants for an event that blended tennis with wellness and community building. The Venom Foundation brought out 46 people, while Dennis Tennis hosted 30 participants at its celebration. Wes Crile Park’s J19 Tournament attracted 25 players for a competitive Juneteenth event, and Bern’s Angels, Inc. welcomed 12 participants to its gathering. One Love Tennis also hosted a Juneteenth event in their community. 

USTA Florida also celebrated Juneteenth at its managed facility, Play Tennis Gainesville, with a junior tournament alongside a community picnic featuring food, games and activities for players, families and community members. 

The Juneteenth Tennis Event Grants are part of USTA Florida’s broader commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through the AMPLIFY initiative. By supporting grassroots events that celebrate Black culture and community through the lens of tennis, USTA Florida is helping ensure the sport continues to grow in a way that reflects and honors the diversity of the state. 

Thank you to all of the organizations and volunteers who made these celebrations possible. To learn more about USTA Florida’s AMPLIFY Initiative, visit ustaflorida.com/amplify.