Arthur Ashe had an enormous influence on the liberation of black South Africans from apartheid.
'I will never forget on black boy, about fourteen years old, who in 1974 seemed to follow me around Johannesburg's Ellis Park, the most hallowed site in South African rugby, the national sport, and the site also of the South African Open. Every day, he was there when I arrived, and he seemed to be there when I left. He was watchful but shy as he shadowed me around the park. It was as if I exuded some precious, mysterious quality that he wanted to possess. Finally I confronted him, though gently. "Tell me something," I said. "Why are you following me around?" "Because you are the first one I have ever seen," he answered. "The first what?" "You are the first truly free black man I have ever seen."' - Arthur Ashe in Days of Grace That boy was Mark Mathabane, Author of Kaffir Boy |
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'In many ways, Johannesburg, where we spent three days, had not changed much since 1977; but in at least two ways it was drastically different. The apartheid signs - WHITES ONLY, NONWHITES ONLY - were gone, except in a few instances. And, more astonishing, the black people seemed transformed. The old subservience and obsequiousness had vanished, and the same people now seemed self-assured and even fearless. They were ready for the future.' - Arthur Ashe on his trip to South Africa in November, 1991, Days of Grace - Arthur Ashe on his trip to South Africa in November, 1991, Days of Grace
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