Despite a rainy arrival, some 75 to 80 people were in attendance to celebrate the induction of the 2023 class of inductees to the Black Tennis Hall of Fame (BTHOF) at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Saturday, Sept. 23. The evening’s keynote speaker was 1996 Wimbledon runner-up MaliVai Washington

Richmond resident and BTHOF CEO Shelia Curry said the highlight of the evening was the inductees themselves.

“They shared many aspects of their lives that we were nor aware of,” Ms. Curry said by email. “How tennis coaching and educating enabled them to become regional legends that greatly enhanced their communities.”

The late Dr. John A. Watson Jr., a varsity tennis coach at Virginia Union University for 47 years, was honored as both a pioneer of and contributor to the sport of tennis. He also was instrumental in the early development of tennis great Arthur Ashe, and in helping hundreds of other young juniors reach their full potential.

Cecil Hollins was another inductee recognized for his contributions to the game as the first and only African-American chair umpire to be awarded a “Gold Badge,” the highest achievement a chair umpire can receive.

Additionally, there were three “Regional Legends” that completed the 2023 inductions. The late Edward John Davis was selected for his work as a D.C. Department of Recreation director and as a championship-winning tennis coach.

His son, Eddie Davis, was recognized as a coach in D.C. and Boston, and whose many accomplishments include being founder and director of the Boston Wheelchair Tennis Program.

Also recognized was longtime high school tennis coach and former president of the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association, Ronald Landfair.

This was BTHOF’s 15th class of inductees, but it was the first time the ceremony was held in Richmond. This is especially significant because the organization is in the process of relocating its headquarters to the city, according to Ms. Curry.

“Relocating the Black Tennis Hall of Fame from Bradenton, Fla., to Richmond has already provided a historic connection to the life and career of Arthur Ashe,” Ms. Curry said, adding that Richmond was the birthplace of the tennis great who also was an advocate for civil rights.

“One of the things that the Black Tennis Hall of Fame has done since arriving here is to bring the Metro Richmond Tennis Club (MRTC) inside of the organization,” she continued. “Given a great deal of what MRTC does, it is the desire of BTHOF to expand those works particularly for community youths. We also want to provide education and history for community to be able to visit and learn.”

The MRTC is a nonprofit which was founded by George Banks in 2010 to promote the sport of tennis through eductaion, skill development, competition and fun. They offer lessons at all levels, as well as clinics for adults.

While the date for next year’s event has not yet been set, Ms. Curry said nominations for next year’s class of inductees will open on Oct. 9 and continue through Dec. 29.

For more information about the Black Tennis Hall of Fame or to download a nomination form, please visit www.blacktennishalloffame.com