USTA Florida Hosts Juneteenth Event Revisiting the History of Black Tennis Excellence

On Friday, June 20, USTA Florida and Play Tennis Gainesville hosted a powerful and engaging Juneteenth celebration as part of USTA Florida’s AMPLIFY initiative. This free community event aimed to uplift Black voices and expand access to tennis across the state, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion statewide. 

Families, children, and adults of all skill levels were welcomed to participate. The event opened with a historical presentation, including clips from the Althea Gibson documentary, and honored the Black community’s contributions to both tennis and American history. On top of that, there was an educational session on the American Tennis Association, learning about the roots of the ATA and what the organization is doing today. Attendees also enjoyed light refreshments, prize giveaways, and commemorative T-shirts that added to the festive atmosphere. 

The event also served as a platform to reintroduce the Gainesville community to community with Play Tennis Gainesville’s programs and staff. George Henry, Director of Tennis at PTG, emphasized the importance of using tennis as a tool for unity and education. He was joined by Ken Collins, a tennis instructor and former professional player, who shared his vision for expanding tennis access through public parks and community engagement. 

Although the highly anticipated XGLOsive glow-in-the-dark tennis sessions were canceled due to inclement weather, PTG officials are working on rescheduling the event at a future date.  

Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865, is a time to reflect on resilience, justice, and progress. Through events like this, USTA Florida continues to honor that legacy while building a more inclusive future for tennis. 

For more information on Juneteenth and other USTA Florida AMPLFIFY initiatives, visit ustaflorida.com/amplify.