Two of the tennis’ greats: Lucy Diggs Slowe and Venus Williams. More than just exceptional athletes, these two women were philanthropists as well.
Born in 1885, Lucy Diggs Slowe was orphaned at the age of six and then moved to Baltimore to live with her Aunt. She went on to become the first African American to win a national title in any sport, winning the first women’s title at the American Tennis Association’s national tournament in Baltimore in 1917.
An advocate for women throughout her entire life, Slowe became the first-ever Dean of Women at her alma mater, Howard University, in 1922. Coming up with the position on her own, she was inspired to do so based on her observances over the years she spent at the university while acquiring her degree. Slowe felt there were many opportunities when it came to improving conditions for women in higher education. Slowe spent her life working to ensure that all women were capable of not only succeeding in the classroom but also that they were capable of achieving independence, self-respect, and the confidence to pursue their dreams.
Venus Williams is equally as prominent of an athlete as she is an activist. Having achieved numerous victories and titles, Williams became the first African American to be ranked No. 1 in the World.
With thirteen women’s doubles and two mixed doubles titles, seven Grand Slam titles, and four Olympic gold medals, Williams is a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional tennis.
More than her wildly successful tennis career, Williams has donated to countless charities, including the American Heart Association, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the Save The Music Foundation. She has been an advocate for causes that support AIDS/HIV, disadvantaged youth, children, and education. She and her sister, Serena, have been a part of helping several different organizations.
Slowe and Williams are two women who are remarkable for more than their careers as athletes. They saw the opportunity to use their platforms for the greater good and have given back in more ways than one.
