A Perfect Match

Their race and religion made them outcasts. Their game made them champions.

New York City, NY (PRWEB) September 1, 2006 -- Fifty years ago, Angela Buxton, a free-spirited Jewish girl from London, stepped onto center court at Wimbledon with her doubles partner, Althea Gibson, an African-American from Harlem. The unlikely pairs race and religion had made them outcast among the tennis elite. The duo stunned the crowd by winning the 1956 Women’s doubles title at Wimbledon thus paving the way for future athletes. The following year, Gibson went on to win the singles title at Wimbledon. In her victory speech, she acknowledged her good friend, Angela Buxton. Their friendship continued for the next 40 years until Gibson’s death in 2003.

“Althea was a total pioneer. Arthur Ashe was a pioneer for male players in tennis but she was way before Arthur and it was much more difficult for her,” said journalist Richard Evans.

No one else wanted to play with Althea because she was black.

Buxton, currently attending the US Open, has announced that she is developing a feature film based on her historical match with the legendary Althea Gibson. The film is being produced by award-winning producer Annice Parker, Figaro Film’s Betsy Blankenbaker and former WTA player and filmmaker, Rachel Viollet of Viollet Productions.

“My legacy is anti-racism,” said Buxton. “No one else wanted to play with Althea because she was black.”

Buxton is currently working on a documentary based on her friendship with Gibson. The documentary is a co-production of Viollet Productions & Figaro Films, Inc. The producers filmed interviews and footage at Wimbledon this summer and are filming additional footage for the documentary during the 2006 US Open. The documentary will be released in 2007 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Gibson’s victory at Wimbledon.

For additional press info, please contact:
Betsy Blankenbaker, Figaro Films, Inc., 305.401.0770

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