Ora Washington (1899-1971)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
African American athlete who dominated black women's tennis, 1929-1937. She won eight national singles titles from American Tennis Association; starred with Philadelphia Tribunes, women's basketball team, 1932-1942; played and taught here at YWCA.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
For nearly a decade Ora Washington reigned over Black women's tennis, claiming eight national singles titles from the American Tennis Association between 1929 and 1937. When she wasn't dominating the court she starred for the Philadelphia Tribunes, one of the era's great women's basketball teams, and she coached and competed here at the YWCA. Barred by segregation from the mainstream circuits, she built her legend within the parallel world of Black athletics.
Why it matters
Washington was one of the greatest American athletes of her generation, and her career illuminates both the brilliance and the enforced separation of Black sports under Jim Crow.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it â museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia6.3 mi away ¡ 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center6.3 mi away ¡ 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center6.4 mi away ¡ 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House6.4 mi away ¡ 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery6.5 mi away ¡ 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia6.5 mi away ¡ 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir4.1 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge4.6 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle4.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo4.9 mi away
- Rocky Steps5.3 mi away
- Philly Gun Range5.6 mi away ¡ North Percy Street
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe6.4 mi away ¡ 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Burger King6.4 mi away
- Dunkin'6.4 mi away ¡ 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters6.5 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory6.5 mi away
- Time & Peace6.5 mi away ¡ 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia6.0 mi away ¡ 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center6.0 mi away ¡ 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia6.1 mi away ¡ 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City6.1 mi away ¡ 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA6.1 mi away ¡ 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel6.2 mi away ¡ 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
Places data Š OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change â call ahead.
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Related people
- ¡ Ora Washington
Themes & tags
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