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September 1968

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Achievement · sport
Arthur Ashe Wins the US Open — First Black Man to Win a Major

Ashe won the inaugural US Open at Forest Hills as an amateur while serving in the US Army, becoming the first Black man to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament. He won without dropping a set in the tournament and was ranked #1 in the world.

Events

  1. September 9, 1968
    Arthur Ashe Wins the US Open — First Black Man to Win a Major

    Ashe won the inaugural US Open at Forest Hills as an amateur while serving in the US Army, becoming the first Black man to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament. He won without dropping a set in the tournament and was ranked #1 in the world.

  2. September 17, 1968
    Diahann Carroll Stars in 'Julia' — First Black Dramatic TV Lead

    Carroll became the first Black woman to star in a non-servant role in a network TV dramatic series when 'Julia' premiered on NBC. Though criticized by some activists as not reflecting the realities of racism, the show marked a genuine barrier broken in American television.

  3. September 17, 1968
    Diahann Carroll Stars in 'Julia' as First Black Dramatic TV Lead

    Carroll became the first Black woman to star in a non-servant role in a network TV dramatic series. Though debated by activists, the show marked a genuine barrier broken in American television.