History Of Athletes Involved In Political Activism

Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe was one of the best tennis players of his era. But, he may be even greater a political figure. Ashe was denied visas multiple times in the early 70s due to apartheid. After finally going to South Africa and seeing how the whites treated natives, he became vocal about his disapproval. Protesting apartheid in Washington DC resulted in Ashe’s arrest in 1985.

In addition, Ashe became one of the most recognizable activists in the fight against AIDS. After announcing his diagnosis in 1992, he founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS. He testified to the United Nations and influenced the government to utilize resources for AIDS research.