American Tennis Association
For The L VE Of TENNIS
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
JULY 20 - 24, 2020
DIVERSITY. EQUITY. INCLUSION.
REGISTRATION IS FREE
6 LOVE SERIES
The American Tennis Association (ATA) is making history, hosting the first-ever week-long virtual web series about our history and diversity in tennis. Our SIX sessions will bring together a panel of experts, past and present players, and coaches to tackle the issues of diversity in the game of tennis.
Our goal is to make discussions around diversity and inclusion, open and comfortable.
All sessions are listed below. You will need to reserve a seat in each session of interest.
Special Thanks
The American Tennis Association would like to thank the USTA for their Sponsorship of 6 Love-Virtual Series.
Please Join Roxanne Aaron, President of American Tennis Association, and Michael Dowse, CEO and Executive Director of the USTA for a special welcome as we kick off our series Monday, July 20th at 5:00 PM with the History of the ATA & Black Tennis.
Session 1: History of the ATA & Black Tennis
Moderated by:
Larry Bivins, former journalist and blogger of "Tennis in the Hood"
Monday, July 20th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM ET
Our Six Love Series starts off with a bang. Join this session to hear the rich history of the ATA and Black tennis. We have a dynamic group that will provide a candid conversation on the history of the American Tennis Association (ATA) and its dramatic impact on the game of tennis.
We will begin the session with an inspiring short video on Althea Gibson, followed by our five panelists who will give you a glimpse of the early years of the ATA before Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. You will hear the vital role that HBCU’s played in the first years of the ATA and others who made it possible for young blacks to play tennis. This session will provide insights into the partnership that has evolved between the ATA and the USTA.
Reservations are now closed
Session 2: Champion's Life On and Off the Courts
Moderated by:
Martin Blackman, General Manager Player Development, USTA
Tuesday, July 21th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM ET
Who says there are no young black men in competitive tennis? This session will showcase young African American players on the professional Tour. They will discuss and share their experiences in becoming a Champion on and off the Court.
Reservations are now closed
Session 3: The HBCU Tennis Legacy
Moderated by:
Esu Ma'at, High Performance Coach
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET
College tennis has held a significant place in ATA's history. Join this panel discussion with HBCU Coaches. They will share their thoughts on the critical role that HBCUs have played in Black tennis, why it's essential to support HBCU tennis programs, and what we can do to preserve Black tennis, especially post COVID-19.
Reservations are now closed
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Session 4: Optimize Your Tennis Game
Moderated by:
James Champion, Founder, The Champion Services Group
Wednesday, July 22nd, 5:00 - 6:30 PM ET
Stress is a normal part of the human experience. Injury, relatives, time demands, fatigue, competition, travel, and finances are just a few of the things in our lives that can cause athletes to become unglued in their relationships and during tennis competitions. This panel of medical and psychological experts will discuss the strategies athletes can employ to manage the stressors in their lives to optimize performance on and off the court.
Reservations are now closed
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Session 5: Black Women Champions & Their Impact on Tennis
Moderated by:
Jim Berry, News Anchor WFOR - TV Miami, FL
Thursday, July 23nd, 5:00 - 6:30 PM ET
Join four of ATA's Female Champions whom all went on to play every Grand Slam pro tournament. Each will share their thoughts on the ATA, Diversity in Tennis, and their hopes for the future of tennis. Having their own unique reflections, each will reveal the important role the ATA played in their development, the value of the ATA for today's young black players, and most importantly, how they survived competing in the sport as black women.
Reservations are now closed
Session 6: The Future of Black Tennis
Moderated by:
Deanne Chevannes, President, Focused LLC
Friday, July 24th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM ET
Tennis is a $5.57-billion-a-year industry. An increased presence for Blacks in tennis should not be limited to what happens on the court. There are many career paths in tennis in which Blacks are severely underrepresented. Tragically, there is a shortage of Black Players, Administrators, Coaches, and Entrepreneurs at the highest level of the sport. This panel will discuss the things that have to happen to increase the success of Black players and bring equity, inclusion, and income to Blacks in every aspect of the very lucrative tennis world.
Reservations are now closed
ATA Virtual Dance Party & Fundraiser
Hosted by:
Winston Chaney, Radio Host
Friday, July 24th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM ET
One of our ATA National's pastimes is to have a party. So join us for a virtual ATA party hosted by Winston Chaney. DJ Blackout will spin music for all ages. Plug in your speakers, crank up the music and dance. Make a request for a favorite song that you want to hear. During the two hours, we will be giving out 3 gift cards to participants who have joined us. WARNING! Come ready to PARTY!
Reservations are now closed
Many Thanks to our Conference Committee
Renee Ralph, Irma Gutierrez and Deanne Chevannes