Construction Photos

The City of Richmond, Virginia observed the 60th birthday of Richmond native and tennis legend Arthur Ashe with a wreath laying ceremony on July 13, at the Arthur Ashe monument. Family members, friends, guests and dignitaries from around the world attended the ceremony. Hundreds of people gathered at the corner of Roseneath Road and Monument Avenue to commemorate the 60th birthday of Arthur Ashe, hosted by Richmond Mayor Rudolph C. McCollum Jr.

Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. had a tremendous impact on the youth of America during his lifetime with achievements as an athlete, scholar and humanitarian. His professional tennis career was impressive, winning 51 titles including the Australian Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon. After his decade-long tennis career, he became an author, prominent speaker and social activist dedicating himself to tearing down the barriers of poverty, privilege, racism and social stereotyping. His monument dedication and unveiling ceremony on July 10, 1996 drew thousands of spectators.

Arthur Ashe died of AIDS-related pneumonia in New York on February 6, 1993. Ashe contracted the HIV virus after receiving a blood transfusion after double bypass heart surgery in 1983.