Ora Washington: Black Fitness History Episode #12

Ora Washington. A name you may not have heard, but one that deserves to echo through the halls of sports history. She dominated not just one, but two arenas—tennis and basketball—during a time when racial and gender barriers were towering. Yet, Ora Washington stood tall, resilient, and unbeatable.

Born in 1898 in rural Virginia, Ora grew up amidst the constraints of segregation. But in the 1920s, after the tragic loss of a sister, she moved to Philadelphia, seeking opportunity—and, unknowingly, a future in sports.

She began her athletic journey playing tennis at the Germantown YWCA, a hub for Black athletes in Philadelphia. Ora's love for tennis grew, and soon, she was not just competing but dominating. From 1929 to 1937, Washington was the woman to beat in Black women's tennis. She won eight national singles titles with the American Tennis Association (ATA)—the only organization that would allow Black athletes to compete in an era of segregation.

Her athletic prowess earned her the nickname "Queen of the Courts." But that wasn’t the only court she ruled. While setting the standard in tennis, Ora also found her way onto the basketball court. And just like tennis, she was unstoppable.

Ora joined the Philadelphia Tribune Girls, a powerhouse women’s basketball team that was practically invincible with her leadership. The Tribune Girls, under Ora’s captaincy, won 11 consecutive Women’s Colored Basketball Championships from 1932 to 1942. Washington’s defensive skills and competitive edge were unparalleled.

Imagine that—two courts, two sports, two legacies. In an era when Black women were doubly marginalized, Ora Washington defied the odds and rewrote the rules of what was possible.

But despite her incredible achievements, mainstream sports media overlooked her contributions. She wasn’t given the fame or sponsorships she deserved. Yet, Ora never stopped competing, never stopped winning.

What makes Ora Washington’s story even more remarkable is that she was a pioneer, not just in sports but in breaking down barriers for Black women athletes. She showed that strength, grace, and excellence could not be confined by race or gender.

Ora Washington laid the foundation for future generations, even if they might not know her name. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of every Black woman who’s ever stepped onto a tennis court or basketball floor, fighting for recognition, respect, and equality.

Ora Washington may not have received the glory she earned in her lifetime, but her story is a testament to perseverance and excellence against the harshest of odds. She was a trailblazer, an icon, and a champion in the truest sense of the word.

It's time we remember Ora Washington, the queen of two courts. She is, and always will be, one of the greatest athletes in American history.