Eric Allen Hall, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of History
Georgia Southern University
Author of Arthur Ashe: Tennis and Justice in the Civil Rights Era
What in particular did you find compelling about Arthur Ashe that motivated you to write a biography about him?
"Several things. Ashe was the most intellectual athlete that I have ever come across. He was a voracious reader who loved to debate and discuss complicated issues. Second, unlike many black athletic activists, Ashe found his calling outside of the United States—in South Africa. Finally, Ashe fought injustice from a more moderate position than Muhammad Ali and others. He proved that you could make a difference without being a radical."
How would you compare Ashe’s tennis achievements to his contributions to civil rights?
"I argue that Ashe’s civil and human rights legacy is equally if not more significant than his accomplishments in tennis. Although he won three majors and numerous Davis Cups, Ashe was not at the level of a Rod Laver or a Jimmy Connors. In the arena of social activism, Ashe crusaded tirelessly against apartheid and was an important advocate for education in the United States."
What can today’s young athletes learn from the way Ashe lived his life?
"They can learn to think before they speak or act. Ashe was rarely impulsive; he chose his words carefully and understood the issues before he joined a cause. I believe he would have encouraged athletes to be involved in social movements and invest in their communities. But he would also want them to be well read and able to explain their positions."
45 words