One Love Tennis brings exhibit to CFCC for Black History Month

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –  One Love Tennis is presenting a special exhibit that shines a light on the impact and achievements of African-Americans in the sport of tennis.

One Love Tennis partnered with Cape Fear Community College and the International Tennis Hall of Fame located in Newport, Rhode Island to bring “Breaking the Barriers” to Wilmington.

The exhibit blends a timeline of photos, newspaper articles and history. It highlights the origins and history of Black tennis and American Tennis Association while incorporating other historical world and sports events.

“Breaking the Barriers: The ATA and Black Tennis Pioneers,” is free and open to the public at Cape Fear Community College’s Union Station at the corner of Red Cross and Front Street.

One Love Tennis Executive Director Lenny Simpson consulted on the curating of the original exhibit that was displayed at the US Open in 2007 and its updated version displayed there in 2016.

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Simpson. “We are so fortunate to have this exhibit at this time. Not only is it Black History Month but it is the 100th anniversary of the American Tennis Association.”

Area children will get the chance to see the exhibit up close and person.  Simpson has organized a field trip tomorrow to introduce the Black Tennis History Exhibit to over 100 One Love Tennis kids from five Wilmington Community Centers.

The exhibit runs until February 16.