Urban Views Weekly recently commemorated tennis champion and global humanitarian Arthur Ashe, who was born on July 9, 1943, and raised in Northside.

Arthur Ashe, tennis champion, humanitarian, and youth advocate, is known worldwide for his athletic achievements. Born in Richmond’s Northside, Arthur began playing the tennis courts at Brook Field, a blacks-only park and playground. His talent quickly came to the attention of leading black coaches. Until his final year of high school, he was educated in Richmond schools. After graduating first in his high school class, he won a full scholarship to UCLA and continued to compete. He served in the Army for four years, and earned the rank of second lieutenant…

…Upon his death in 1993, the public was allowed to mourn the loss when his body was displayed at the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond. No figure since Civil War General Stonewall Jackson had been so honored. On July 10, 1996, a monument in Ashe’s honor was erected at 3321 Monument Avenue. Last year, USA Today listed Arthur along with only 24 others as one of the Most Inspiring People of the Last 25 Years.