The Ashe '68 Documentary Project

Ashe ’68 is a unique multi-component documentary project. It celebrates the life and legacy of Arthur Ashe, the groundbreaking tennis champion and civil rights activist, during the 50th anniversary year of his historic 1968 US Open championship victory, the year that marked his emergence as a civil rights figure. The film, VR experience, and photo exhibit focus on the origin story of Ashe’s social activism, which was launched to the world in 1968, a momentous and tumultuous time for Ashe, America and the world. Ashe became famous by breaking racial barriers in tennis and speaking out against oppression the world over. His moment resonates today as America struggles with racism, inequity and injustice.

Created and Produced by Rex Miller, Produced by Beth Hubbard

In partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame

and supported by a grant from the Foundation for Global Sports Development

Documentary Film

Ashe ’68 is a unique multi-component documentary project. It celebrates the life and legacy of Arthur Ashe, the groundbreaking tennis champion and civil rights activist, during the 50th anniversary year of his historic 1968 US Open championship victory.  

Arthur Ashe’s victory at the US Open in 1968 was an iconic moment of American history. As the first black man to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament, his victory resonated with the seismic social and political changes that were taking placing across the globe in 1968, and was a sign that society was changing, but what meant most to Ashe at the time is that an American had become the first US Open Men’s Champion. 

Produced by Rexpix Media and Stickfigure Productions

Producers: Steven Cantor, Beth Hubbard, Rex Miller, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Jamie Schutz

A film by Rex Miller

Edited by Lewis Rapkin

VR Space Installation

Designed by Bill Sullivan, this interactive installation/exhibition is currently installed at the US Open and houses multiple headsets to view the Ashe 68 VR Experience.

Designed by Bill Sullivan

Photo Exhibit

A series of photographs by John Zimmerman documenting Arthur Ashe’s historic victory at the first US Open. Launched this past weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, it features (16) 4’ x 6’ Vibrachrome panels and will be exhibited at the the Billie Jean King National Tennis center on the South Plaza, a few feet from the iconic Arthur Ashe statue and in the shadow of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The ways in which Ashe operated both on and off court were uniquely captured by the American photographer John G. Zimmerman, who on September 9 and 10, 1968, had the exclusive opportunity to follow Ashe while on assignment for LIFE magazine. This resulted in hundreds of never-before-seen pictures. Apart from a handful of images, the photo essay remained unpublished. The 50th anniversary of Ashe’s victory provides the ideal occasion to finally release these profound materials.

Curated and Produced by Rex Miller/Rexpix Media

Produced by Beth Hubbard

2018 US Open

The Ashe ’68 Photo Exhibit and Virtual Reality Experience are both currently exhibited on-site at the 2018 US Open, at Flushing Meadows, NY, sponsored by Rolex, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the USTA. It is the 50th Anniversary of Arthur Ashe’s historic win and our project will be a centerpiece of the USTA’s festivities.

In Partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame

and made possible by a generous grant from Rolex and the Foundation for Global Sports Development.