“I wish more of us could understand that our
increasing isolation, no matter how much it seems to express pride and
self-affirmation, is not the answer to our problems. Rather, the answer is a revival
of our ancient commitment to God, who rules over all the peoples of the world
and exalts no one over any other, and to the moral and spiritual values which
were once legendary in America. We must reach out our hand in friendship both
to those who would befriend us and those who would be our enemy. We must
believe in the power of education. We must respect just laws. We must love
ourselves, our old and our young, our women as well as our men.”—Professional
tennis player—and American hero—Arthur Ashe (1943-1993) and Arnold
Rampersad, Days of Grace: A Memoir (1994)
Tennis great—and true gentleman—Arthur Ashe was born
75 years ago today in Richmond, VA. That city, segregated at the time of his
birth, would one day erect a statue in his honor on a beautiful avenue arising
from the ugly cause of secession: Monument Avenue. Like the title of Ashe’s
memoir, the statue adds a “grace” note to an environment that can use it.
