Althea Film Screening and Discussion

National Archives at Kansas City

January 18, 2017

Kansas City (MO)… On Wednesday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m., the National Archives will host a film screening of the PBS American Masters documentary, Althea, with post-film discussion led by Daniel Wellington. A free light reception will precede the program at 6:00 p.m.  

Althea chronicles the life of Althea Gibson (1927-2003). Gibson was a troubled young woman who emerged from the rough streets of Harlem, New York, to become an unlikely champion of the very segregated sport of tennis in the 1950s. She was the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals. Following the film, local tennis pro and coach, Daniel Wellington, will discuss the implications Gibson had on the sport and how her legacy created an impact. This program is presented in partnership with the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group.

Reservations are requested for this free film by calling 816-268-8010 or emailing kansascity.educate@nara.gov. Requests for ADA accommodations must be submitted five business days prior to events.

About the Speaker

Daniel Wellington manages Wellington’s Academy of Tennis LLC, where he is a PTR Certified Tennis Instructor. His athletic history includes performance as a semi-professional baseball player, basketball player, baseball and softball umpire, and basketball referee. Affectionately known as “Coach Wellington,” he is a self-taught tennis player who began working with youth in Connecticut. He has since developed a long and distinguished career as a professional instructor, coach, and mentor for high school, college, young amateur, and professional athletes. 

The National Archives at Kansas City is home to historical records dating from the 1820s to the 1990s created or received by Federal agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, call 816-268-8000 or visit www.archives.gov/kansas-city/.   

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LPM/LE – KC17-10