USPS will honor Althea Gibson Friday, Aug. 23, on the grounds of the U.S. Open in Flushing, NY, as the 36th inductee into the Black Heritage stamp series.

Gibson was the first African-American tennis player to win one of the four major singles tournaments, helping integrate her sport at the height of the civil rights movement. She twice won Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships (now known as the U.S. Open) and became the top-ranked player in the world.

“Althea Gibson’s achievements demanded Americans everywhere pay attention — and pay attention they did,” said Judicial Officer William Campbell. “She opened doors that other African-American tennis players would one day walk through — including Arthur Ashe, Katrina Adams, Chanda Rubin and the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena.”

USPS also will celebrate Gibson’s achievements at a special 10 a.m. stamp dedication ceremony Sat., Aug. 24, at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex in Newark, NJ.

Beginning Aug. 23, customers may purchase the Althea Gibson Forever stamp at usps.com/stamps, by calling 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide.