ATA & Diversity, Equity and Belonging
Remember to Use Person First Language!
When speaking, put the person FIRST: “Person who is / Person with … (condition)”.
For example: “A person who is on the autism spectrum” or “A person who uses a wheelchair”.
A condition or disability is something that a person has, and the person is not defined by that condition. Putting the person before the diagnosis makes sure that the individual is recognized first as a human being.
Ableism
This is the discrimination or oppression of people with disabilities. Remember, oppression and discrimination are often unintentional! Even acts that are intended to be kind and thoughtful may be harmful because they may imply that the person is not seen as just a person. A disability may be part of a person’s identity, but it should never BE the person’s identity!
Sourced from Kinship International: https://www.sdakinship.org/en/kinship-lgbtqia
NOTE: Although the ATA is working to provide inclusive tennis opportunities and actively combat discrimination within our community, we understand that we are not perfect, and need the help of others to ensure that we are being inclusive, active, and advocative. Please reach out to us if you have Diversity, Equity, and Belonging suggestions, issues, or insight.
This PSA is dedicated to Lewis Isaac with the hope that it inspires many to play the game of tennis. Aston Park Tennis Court No. 1 is dedicated to Lewis Jerome Isaac 1948 – 2019, Asheville, NC. He was a passionate lifelong player, promoter and teacher of the game. And loved every second! Truly an inspiration.
Donated by MIlepost355 - Created, directed and produced by Kate Hurley
Photo credits granted with permission (editorial use only) by the generosity of the following organizations for the ATA non-profit: Thelner and Louise Hoover photographic collection, University Archives, Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA and GettyImages.
Photo credits granted with permission (editorial use only) by the generosity of the following organizations for the ATA non-profit: Thelner and Louise Hoover photographic collection, University Archives, Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA and GettyImages.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
“The Asheville Tennis Association is fully committed to diversity and inclusion efforts that provide equity and equal opportunities for all. The ATA is against any form of racism in our sport and in society. We stand in solidarity with all people of color along the path toward social justice. In 2019, we began sending our board members to Asheville’s Building Bridges program (https://www.bbavl.org/) where we learned that whatever we think we are doing to promote equality and opportunity in play, it’s not enough. We must try harder and do better. The ATA appointed a Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Committee to face these issues and ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy the sport of tennis. We value tennis being a low-cost and accessible sport. We want to put free racquets in the hands of children across Buncombe County. Tennis brings communities together and only together can we actively fight to dismantle systemic racism.”
— Asheville Tennis Association
BUY (BLACK) LOCAL
Here is a list of 85 local black-owned businesses in Asheville compiled by AVL Today - Here is a list of some local Black owned businesses that would really appreciate your support. Please take a look and see if you can patronize any of them.
Hood Huggers International Green Book serves as a starting guide for anyone interested in supporting the resiliency of the African American community in Asheville. The Color of Asheville manages a Black-Owned Business & Community Directory also.
On this page, you will find articles, videos, and quotes from many leaders in tennis and the world of sports, sharing their feelings and experiences pertaining to systemic racism. These are provided in order for us to better understand where we have been as a society and where we strive to be.
Articles of Interest
The rich and nuanced history of black people in tennis. Keeping it 100: From the American Tennis Association to Brienne Minor by Rhiannon Walker
Billie Jean King: The First Female Athlete-Activist Billie Jean King isn’t interested in being a legend — she’s interested in succession. Her latest memoir follows two previous efforts to sum up her extraordinary career — one spent as a former No. 1-ranked tennis player, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, a founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and, of course, winner of the Battle of the Sexes versus Bobby Riggs in 1973. She’s up to something more overtly political now with “All In,” and the urgency with which she writes — here with Johnette Howard and Maryanne Vollers — about her life’s work as an activist gives one the sense that it’s essential to her that the mantle is passed to the next generations (and that they’re fired up about it!).
Let's come together to end the hate by Michael Chang | May 03, 2021 In his essay, Chang addresses the disturbing wave of recent hate crimes aimed at Asian-Americans in the U.S., and calls for an end to the overwhelming ignorance and mistrust that have fueled them. Chang’s message is one of tolerance, understanding, and unity—all vitally important ingredients in ending this unacceptable wave of hatred and healing the fractures in American society.
Where are the black men in tennis? The sport needs iconic athletes to draw new generations of players
Top 10 African-American Tennis Players of All Time
Black tennis history By Rhiannon Walker: The rich history of black people and tennis in the United States goes back close to 110 years. It includes names such as Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Zina Garrison, and Venus and Serena Williams. It also includes some little-known tidbits.
In celebration of Black History Month this year, USTA.com takes a look at the courageous pioneers who helped to change the face of this sport, as well as those who have followed in their footsteps and today use their platforms—at every level of the game—to champion change and open doors of opportunity for others.