A block party at tennis center

Philadelphia Inquirer, The, May, 2006 by Dana Reddington

What better way to celebrate a community center than a party for the community?

The Althea Gibson Community Education and Tennis Center opened nearly three years ago with a goal of giving educational opportunities, with tennis as an incentive. It offers after-school programs, instruction in graphic arts, summer camps and, of course, tennis.

At the Family Block Party on Saturday, tennis professionals will play against children, a health fair will provide information to families, and food and arts and crafts will be part of the fun.

"It's really to bring awareness to the tennis center," says Callie Williams, a board member at the center. "It also celebrates Althea Gibson."

Gibson was the first African American to break the color barrier in professional tennis. She became the world's top-ranked female tennis player in the 1950s.

Family Block Party, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Althea Gibson ...