"The purest joy in life comes with trying to help others."

- Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe

Inducted 1998

Even if he had never done anything away from a tennis court, Arthur would have been hailed as a hero. In addition to his 1968 US Open and 1975 Wimbeldon championships, being the first ever black man to do so, he was a voice of conscience. Arthur became a new kind of sports leader, inspiring a generation of blacks to take up a previously uninviting sport. His sporting legacy is as broad in scope as his convictions were deep. His touching memoir Days of Grace, teaches us about the strenghth of the human spirit, the power of forgiveness and about Arthur's devotion to his family. Arthur embodied courage and grace in every aspect of his life, and won the love of those who knew him and the admiration of the millions he inspired.

Award accepted by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe

Jackie Robinson

Inducted 1997

In 1947, Jackie Robinson altered the face of sports, and our country forever by breaking baseball's color barrier. No athlete has done more to draw public attention to the issue of race and sports. His achievements serve as a challange - and an inspiration - to millions. We remember and celebrate his past to help shape our future. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this historic event, we are proud to induct Jackie Robinson into the Sport in Society Hall of Fame.

Award accepted by Rachel Robinson

Wilma Rudolph

Inducted 1996

Plagued by illness as a child and unable to walk properly until the age of eleven, Wilma Rudolph overcame adversity to become the top woman sprinter in the world at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome and inspired countless young women to participate in track and field. Her success gave the platform to enhance racial integration in the 60's. She founded the Wilma Rudolph Foundation to provide boys and girls with sports competition opportunities and academic success. Her combination of talent, dignity, and grace earned her the respect and admiration of people throughout the world.

Arnold "Red" Auerbach

Inducted 1995

Legendary Boston Celtics' coach "Red" Auerbach played a pioneeering role in race relations in the NBA. In 1950, he and Joe Lapchick, father of Sport in Society Richard Lapchick, coach of the New York Knickerbockers, coached the first two black players to wear NBA uniforms. Auerbach was also the first coach to start five black players. His teams won an unprecidented 16 championships, including eight straight (1959-1966). When he retired he hired his star center, Bill Russell, as the NBA's first black head coach. His Youth Foundation sponsors basketball events, clinic, and provides scholarships for Massachusetts high school student based on academic, athletic, and leadership qualities. "Red" is a true hero of racial integration in sports.

Muhammad Ali

Inducted 1994

Muhammad Ali is indeed "The Greatest of All-Time." His athletic achievement, including an Olympic Gold Medal in 1960, are only equalled by his triumph as a world leader on racial equality and peace. Ali is an ambassador for racial harmony, global peace, and African-American pride. To this day, Ali travells the world spreading his message to everyone he touches in his own special way. His heart of a champion still warms us all - particularly the children of our world who are drawn to his legendary mystique.