On July 5th, 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first African-American to win Wimbledon when he defeated Jimmy Connors in four sets. Ashe would also become the first man to win the US Open and the Australian, as well.
Away from the court, Ashe became a well-known advocate for AIDS research and education after he contracted the disease through a blood transfusion. Because of that, he is still viewed as both a sports hero and brave fighter on social issues, as well.
Arthur Ashe would die from complications of the disease on February 6, 1993. He was just 49 years old at the time of his passing.
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