Althea Gibson (The Cosby Family)
Dr. William H. Cosby, Jr. and Camille Olivia Cosby established an endowed scholarship in the name of Althea Gibson, one of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) most famous graduates who attended the university on a tennis and basketball scholarship. The scholarship is intended to provide financial support to students who demonstrate a commitment to studying physical education, recreation, and health at FAMU.
Impact
This trailblazing athlete defied long odds to succeed in the 1950s paving the way in tennis for the likes of Arthur Ashe and the Williams Sisters. She became the first African American to win championships at Grand Slam tournaments such as Wimbledon, the French Open and the United States Open in the late 1950s.