Perfect Match: The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton by Lori Dubbin, with illustrations by Amanda Quartey; Minneapolis, Minnesota: Kar-Ben Publishing, (c) 2024; ISBN 9798765-603000; 32 pages, $19.99.
SAN DIEGO — In the 1950s, there were racial and religious barriers in women’s tennis. In the United States, Althea Gibson, who was African-American, and in Britain, Angela Buxton, who was Jewish, were prevented from joining major tennis clubs. Even without these clubs’ backing, they were able to compete and prevail in tournaments.
In 1955, Gibson and Buxton were selected to be part of their countries’ goodwill teams touring several Asian countries. They met on that tour and became friends.
So well did they get along that they decided to become doubles partners in the competition that became the French Open. They ignored boos and rude comments from bigots in the stands as they made their way to the court together. They prevailed all the way to a championship game, at which they lost the first set. Realizing that they teamed well when Althea played at the net and Angela patrolled the back court, they went on to win the next two sets and the French championship.
The double A team–Angela and Althea–played together again at Wimbleton, England, winning the championship match in two straight sets. Angela retired from tennis that year with a wrist injury. In 1957 and 1958, Althea won the singles title at Wimbleton. Her tennis outfits were designed by Angela. Althea retired from tennis in 1958.
Written for children aged 6-11, the story highlights how perseverance can lead to overcoming adversity and what an important motivator true friendship can be. It also acquaints today’s children with prejudices that continue to plague the world today.
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via sdheritage@cox.net