Born: c. 1899 (Virginia)
Died: December 21, 1971
Biography:
Ora Belle Washington (c. 1899 – December 21, 1971) was an American athlete from the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She excelled in both tennis and basketball, becoming a trailblazer in both sports. Washington’s incredible talent and achievements in sports earned her the nicknames Queen Ora and the Queen of Two Courts from black newspapers. Her remarkable skill and dedication to her craft resulted in her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. She was a true pioneer in women’s sports, defying racial and gender barriers to leave a lasting impact on the history of athletics.
Born in Virginia around 1899, Ora Washington was the fifth of nine children born to James Thomas Washington and Laura Young Washington. However, due to the state’s economic struggles after the American Civil War, birth certificates were not issued between 1896 and 1912, making the exact date of her birth unknown. The Washingtons owned a farm in the farming community of File in Caroline County, Virginia, where they raised livestock and planted crops. While they fared better than many sharecroppers, they still faced financial challenges due to the poor economy.
Tragedy struck the Washington family in 1908 when Laura Washington passed away during childbirth, adding further strain to their finances. By 1910, the family had to mortgage their farm, and James Washington struggled to find employment. In search of better opportunities, they joined the Great Migration and moved north in the mid-1910s. Ora’s aunt, Mattie Washington, had already settled in Germantown, Philadelphia, and she invited Ora and her sisters to join her. Ora made her way to Germantown during the mid-1910s and possibly attended high school there. By 1920, census records indicate that she was working as a live-in servant in the town.
It was at the YWCA in Germantown that Washington discovered her love for tennis. The YWCA had opened in 1918 to cater to the black community, and Washington began playing on their tennis courts in the early 1920s. Her talent quickly became evident, and in 1924, she emerged victorious in the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories at the Wilmington, Delaware, city championships. The following year, she defeated the reigning national African American singles champion, Isadore Channels.
Washington’s triumphs continued as she won her first national title in 1925 at the all-Black American Tennis Association’s national doubles tournament, partnering with Lula Ballard. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable winning streak that would extend for the next eleven years. In 1929, Washington moved to Chicago and achieved her first singles championship that same year by defeating Frances Gittens in a thrilling three-set match. She would go on to clinch the title seven more times, thereby solidifying her dominance on the tennis court.
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, Washington’s physical presence loomed larger than life to her opponents. Her sheer skill and determination challenged the stereotypes and preconceptions of that era, establishing her as one of the greatest tennis players of her time. Arthur Ashe, an esteemed tennis player himself, even suggested that she might have been one of the best tennis players of all time.
While Washington’s tennis career was awe-inspiring, her prowess extended to another realm of sports: basketball. She showcased her talent on the basketball court, earning her a spot on the Philadelphia Tribunes’ first women’s basketball team. Washington’s versatility and ability to dominate both sports make her a true trailblazer and exemplar of female athletic excellence.
Ora Washington’s legacy not only left an indelible mark on the sports world but also broke barriers for future generations. Her accomplishments and dedication opened doors for black athletes and women, challenging societal norms and perceptions. She defied racial and gender prejudices through her exceptional achievements and showcased the immeasurable potential of individuals regardless of their background. Ora Washington’s contributions to women’s history and the African American community live on, reminding us that perseverance, talent, and courage can shatter boundaries and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018