February 2013 Auction Ends Wednesday, February 6th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2013
Exceptional Arthur Ashe lot relating to his work in boycotting tennis events held in South Africa under apartheid. The centerpiece of the lot is a portion of Ashe's speech, handwritten by him on the event program. In full, ''Along with the phrases 'Some of my best friends are black' and 'Reverse discrimination' was a new one that first surfaced in 1936 - 'Sports and politics don't mix.' Never mind that the logical extension of it meant that nothing could be more important than some game. Many of our heroes were stellar athletes: Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson; Muhammad Ali; Nelson Mandela was a boxer. Music and sports are the two public endeavors with unchallenged universal appeal. Harry Belafonte should be up here with me for he has run a longer course and has provided continuity, experience, and resources for a long time.'' He then writes, ''My experience / I share this with others who at personal expense / McEnroe''. Lot also includes (1) the International Sports Human Rights Award presented to Ashe by the TransAfrica organization. Measures 8.75'' x 12''. (2) 5.5'' x 8.5'' program from the award dinner and (3) an 8.5'' x 11'' resource guide running 29pp. upon which the handwritten speech appears. All items are in fine condition. With an LOA from Arthur Ashe's widow.
To Honor His Boycott of South African Tennis, Arthur Ashe's Award From TransAfrica -- Also With His Handwritten Acceptance Speech, ''...'Some of my best friends are black'...''
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