Historic U.S. Mint Retrieval and SETLC Ceremony Celebrate a Full-Circle Moment in Women’s History and Black Excellence
WASHINGTON – The Estate of Althea Gibson, in collaboration with the Althea Gibson Sports & Education Foundation, The Recreation Wish List Committee, and the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC), announces the successful completion of a historic two-part celebration honoring tennis icon and trailblazer Althea Gibson, the final honoree in the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters Program.
The day began at the U.S. Mint Coin Store, where freshly struck Althea Gibson quarters were ceremonially retrieved by Michelle Tatum-Curry, Administrator of The Estate of Althea Gibson; Mrs. Cora Masters Barry, Founder and CEO of the Recreation Wish List Committee and SETLC; and legendary broadcaster and cultural icon Jayne Kennedy, the first Black woman to host a major network sports program. Kennedy joined the delegation during her national memoir tour for “Plain Jayne,” adding symbolic significance to the milestone.
Originally scheduled for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the evening celebration pivoted due to the federal government shutdown. In true “Queen of the Pivot” Althea Gibson fashion, organizers quickly relocated the event to the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, a venue aligned with Gibson’s legacy of education, access, and community uplift.
A standing-room-only audience filled SETLC, including the DC State Superintendent of Education, the Executive Director of DC Parks and Recreation, representatives from the United States Tennis Association (USTA), USTA Mid-Atlantic leadership, and other civic and cultural dignitaries. A full-circle moment occurred with the presence of the grandson of Dr. Maya Angelou, the first woman honored in the American Women Quarters Program.
The program featured a moving performance by Cadence Johnson, a youth artist from SETLC’s Blacks in Wax program. Johnson later joined the symbolic coin pour alongside Joshua Morgan, Sr., former NFL wide receiver; Tatum-Curry; and Masters Barry. The ceremonial vessel was one of Althea Gibson’s own tennis bags, containing two racquets she used while teaching youth an emotional reminder of her lifelong dedication to mentorship.
Following the pour, attendees participated in a meaningful “quarter pass,” receiving an Althea Gibson quarter directly from the historic tennis bag. Guests also received a collector’s board and a special-edition USTA US Open x Marvel Althea Gibson comic book.
“The Althea Gibson quarter is more than currency it is an embodiment of her unshakable spirit, her historical significance, and her enduring impact,” said Michelle Tatum-Curry. “Retrieving the coin in the morning and celebrating with the community in the evening was deeply meaningful.”
“This celebration captures exactly why the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center exists to connect history, youth, and community,” said Cora Masters Barry. “Honoring Althea Gibson here ensures her story continues to inspire future champions.”
Call to Action: Honor Althea Gibson’s Legacy Today
Purchase the 2025 Althea Gibson Quarter and the limited-edition holiday ornament at the official U.S. Mint website:
https://catalog.usmint.gov
Learn more about the Althea Gibson Sports & Education Foundation and its youth programs at:
https://www.AltheaGibsonFoundation.org
Every purchase directly supports legacy-preservation efforts in Althea Gibson’s honor.
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Capitol Public Relations
Thomasina Perkins
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