Arvelia Myers facts for kids
Arvelia Myers (born February 25, 1927 – died October 25, 2017) was an amazing American tennis player, coach, and community leader. She was also a wife, mother, and a strong activist. After becoming a great tennis player, she started Pyramid Tennis in Harlem. This was the first tennis program owned by an African-American woman. It helped young people for over forty years. People in her community called her the "mother of Harlem tennis." She was known as a pioneer and activist because she fought hard to protect her program.
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Early Life and Education
Arvelia Myers was born on February 25, 1927, in Sunflower, Mississippi. When she was seven, her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. At fifteen, Arvelia married Willie Calvin Cole. Their daughter, Olivia Cole, later became a famous actress.
In 1944, when Arvelia was seventeen, she moved to the Bronx, New York, with her young daughter. Soon after, she moved to Harlem and stayed there. She joined Mount Morris Presbyterian Church. There, she met Raymond Mitchell, who later became her husband in 1956. Raymond introduced her to tennis. They both spent a lot of time on community courts, getting better at the game.
Arvelia also valued education. At 45, she earned her General Equivalency Diploma (GED). This is like getting your high school diploma later in life. Twelve years later, at 57, she graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English.
Tennis Career
When Arvelia played tennis, Jim Crow laws were in place. These laws kept Black people from playing in many big tournaments. So, Black players competed in the American Tennis Association (ATA) circuit. Famous tennis player Arthur Ashe called it "the only game in town."
Arvelia traveled on weekends to ATA tournaments. These were often held at Black colleges like Hampton University or Central State University. She also played at places like the Shady Rest Country Club in New Jersey. In the 1960s, Arvelia was ranked as high as number three in singles. She also won doubles championships.
Starting Pyramid Tennis
After working with other tennis programs, Arvelia started Pyramid Tennis in 1973. This was a very special program in Harlem. It was the first tennis and education program owned by a Black woman.
Through Pyramid Tennis, Arvelia helped many young people. She gave them tennis lessons, tennis balls, rackets, and court time. She even paid their entry fees for tournaments. Arvelia knew that the cost of these things could stop many kids from playing. Her program removed these barriers, making tennis open to more people.
In the summers, Pyramid Tennis held outdoor programs at Fred Johnson's Park in Manhattan. In the winters, they used the 369th Armory in Harlem. Her program taught kids tennis skills and the discipline needed to succeed. This discipline helped them on the court, in school, and in life.
Arvelia also coached tennis teams at City College and Columbia University. She taught youth tennis at Riverbank State Park. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) called her a "gamechanger" for promoting tennis in her area.
Fighting for Tennis
Arvelia was also a strong activist. The 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem had eight tennis courts. Arvelia regularly used four of these courts for her Pyramid program.
In 1985, New York City had a rise in homelessness. Officials decided to use the armory's drill floor as a shelter. This put Arvelia's program at risk. She asked the governor and city leaders to find another solution. Later, when David Dinkins became mayor, a different plan was made.
Arvelia had to fight again when the armory leaders wanted to rent the space to a company that could pay more. This would again threaten Pyramid Tennis and other programs. Arvelia organized a group called the Friends of Harlem Tennis. She taught the community about the issue and put pressure on politicians. She wanted the contract to go to groups that supported tennis.
The American Tennis Association (ATA) was very important. It existed because other tennis groups did not welcome early Black players. Famous players like Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe played on the ATA circuit. Arvelia Myers was another great player who competed with the ATA. After she stopped competing, she served on the ATA's Board of Directors. She worked hard to make sure the ATA kept helping young tennis players.
Arvelia also strongly supported the United States Tennis Association (USTA). She received many awards for her volunteer work at the US Open. She also served as secretary of the USTA Eastern Division. But she always said the ATA and USTA were different. She often said, "It's like Avis and Hertz. You should never put the two together."
Death
Arvelia Myers passed away on October 25, 2017, in The Bronx, New York.
Awards and Recognitions
Columbia University honored Arvelia Myers in their 'Unsung Heroes' list. They said she "made a difference in New York City" without seeking fame. Many people did notice her work, and she received many awards for her dedication:
- Harlem Junior Tennis Program Appreciation Award
- USTA Community Service Award
- Arthur Ashe Special Service Award
- ATA Outstanding Service Award
- No Ad Pioneer Award
- Harlem Week/Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce-Community Service Award
- USTA 10-year Volunteer Service Award
- ETA Louise Cilla Award
- Arvelia Myers Service Award
On June 22, 2019, she was added to the Black Tennis Hall of Fame after her death.
