Determination led Arthur to win three Grand Slam titles and a victory at Wimbledon during his career. Determination led Ashe to be the first African American male to win these titles and he remains the only African American player ever to win the men's singles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and Australian Open.
Ashe used his sportsman profile and legendary poise to promote human rights, education, and public health becoming a vocal advocate against the apartheid in South Africa.
After contracting AIDS through a blood transfusion he founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, which raised money for research into treating, curing and preventing AIDS.
Two months before his death he founded the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, to help address issues of inadequate health care delivery to urban minority populations.
His commitment to social justice, health and humanitarian issues left a mark on the world as indelible as his tennis was on the court.
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