There are several reasons why Althea Gibson is not as well-known, celebrated, or remembered by Americans as Jackie Robinson. Here are three possible reasons:
Differences in sports popularity and coverage: While tennis and golf are popular sports, they may not be as widely followed or covered by the media as baseball, which is considered America's national pastime. Jackie Robinson's breakthrough as the first Black player in Major League Baseball was a significant event that received widespread coverage and attention, which helped to raise his profile and keep his legacy alive.
Timing of breakthrough: Althea Gibson's breakthrough in tennis and golf came after Jackie Robinson's in baseball, which may have impacted her visibility and recognition. Robinson's accomplishment came at a time when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and his success in baseball became a symbol of progress and hope for many people. Gibson's breakthroughs came a few years later, and by then, the initial shock and novelty of breaking the color barrier in sports had somewhat worn off.
Gender bias: Another possible reason for the discrepancy in recognition could be gender bias. Despite breaking barriers in two different sports, Gibson may not have received the same level of attention or recognition as Robinson because she was a woman. In the mid-20th century, women's sports were not as widely followed or supported as men's sports, and women athletes often faced discrimination and obstacles in pursuing their careers. As a result, Gibson's accomplishments may not have been given the same level of attention or respect as Robinson's.