This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/7/2013
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.