Sept. 8, 1957

Earlier in the summer, Althea Gibson became the first African-American - female or male - to win Wimbledon. Today she is the first of her race to win the U.S. title.

At the age of 30 and at the pinnacle of her career, the lithe and muscular Gibson serves and volleys her way to a 6-3, 6-2 win over four-time Wimbledon champion Louise Brough. She doesn't lose a set throughout the entire tournament, played on the grass courts at Forest Hills.

Gibson is presented the champion's trophy, filled with white gladioli and red roses, by Vice President Richard Nixon. She gives a warm thank-you speech, telling the crowd of 12,000, "I hope to wear the crown with dignity and humility."