Arthur Ashe has been one of Richmond’s most famous icons for decades thanks to his success in breaking down racial barriers in the tennis world. His name had been honored and memorialized across Richmond on streets, building and in art. Now, his life is captured on screen through the documentary “Citizen Ashe” which will debut on air on CNN Sunday, the night before the 135th Wimbledon.
“Citizen Ashe” follows the tennis legend through his college and professional career. In 1975, Ashe became the first Black man to win a singles title. He remains the only Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon as well as the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. The film follows Ashes’ storied and eventful life, from his trip to South Africa during apartheid to a tactful battle with Jimmy Connors to his post-career activism.