Back  

In Celebration of 34 Years Publishing
BT Magazine

A resounding “Thank You” to those who made a direct contribution to this 34th Anniversary issue of Black Tennis magazine.

You are remarkable. Your response to my request is so impressive. The responses reflect the feelings and support you have expressed over the years for BT magazine, the American Tennis Association, and tennis in the black community.

In an effort to keep the celebration alive, the theme of this 34th. Celebration Issue is, “Then and Now,” a series of photos, articles, and documents that tell the story of the publication since it first started in 1977. At the time, the tennis world, especially the media, failed to recognize or cover tennis in the black community, which created the image that tennis did not exist, and blacks were not into the game.

The first issue was only a six page newsletter that featured local clubs, players and events that happened in Texas and the Southwest. A graphic artist who belonged to our local club by the name of Lynn Anderson, saw a copy of the first magazine, and agreed to help produce the second issue.

The scope of the publication broadened

when Zina Garrison and Lori McNeil of Houston, Texas, started winning major junior events in the state, and were overlooked entirely by the media for their outstanding accomplishments. Research started immediately on this matter, and it was discovered that there were many outstanding players, clubs, and tennis programs throughout the black community that were relatively unknown, and received little or no coverage by the media.

The second edition featured Zina, Lori, and other outstanding black juniors, and adults that were discovered in the research who played or participated in tennis events in their communities and around the world.

This issue was printed just in time to be distributed to the large gathering at the American Tennis Association (ATA) National Championships in New Orleans in 1977, and the rest is history. During the weekend of the ATA Nationals, the stands were packed each day with spectators to see featured matches being played on center court, something that was amazing.

It is necessary, at this point, to draw conclusions as to why life for blacks was different then in comparison to what’s happening in America today. Those of us who are still in the game should gain insight from this information that can help

improve the situation that exists now, and later into the future. Readers of this issue can relate to either the “Then” situation, the “Now,” or to both, “Then” and “Now,” since we are presenting both views.

The questions asked then and even today are: Is tennis alive in the black community? Can blacks achieve as juniors, adults, and professionals? Is there a need for media coverage where everyone receives
the correct information on players and activities?

The information presented in this issue is documented proof that our original thesis is true. Each issue of BT magazine printed since 1977, presented facts about players, organizations, and activities to prove that blacks can achieve in tennis, and have gone beyond the norm in their outstanding play, awards, prize money, and records. Many players have broken existing records once established by the best in the world.

I Rest My Case

Owner/Publisher