Serena Williams

In 1999, 17-year-old Serena became the first Black woman to win the U.S Open since tennis pioneer, Althea Gibson, in 1958. From there, Serena went on to dominate tennis courts worldwide, winning a total of 21 Grand Slam titles. Training to be the greatest since she was a toddler, Serena has soared pass adversity, including racially fueled comments from commentators and audiences, with flying colors. Her tenacity and passion for the game not only paved the way for other women tennis players, but also the next generation of Black athletes. “As a Black tennis player, I looked different. I sounded different. I dressed differently. I served differently. But when I stepped onto the court, I could compete with anyone.”

Today in Disney History

Mickey Rooney, the voice of Adult Tod in Disney's The Fox and the Hound, was born on this day in 1920. Jason Alexander! Born in 1959, he voiced Hugo in Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Did you know?

Did you know that Ethel Waters was the first African American to be nominated for an Emmy Award? In 1962, the legendary jazz and blues singer received the nomination for her performance in a "Route 66" episode, "Good Night, Sweet Blues.” Waters' nomination paved the way for women like Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, Alfre Woodard, Halle Berry, Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Viola Davis, now the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.