Margaret and Matilda Roumania Peters

Margaret and Matilda Roumania Peters: Tennis Pioneers Amidst Segregation

Early Life/High School

Margaret and Matilda Roumania Peters were born in Washington, D.C., in 1915 and 1917, respectively. The sisters began playing tennis at a young age, and they quickly showed natural talent for the sport. They played in a park across from their home in Georgetown, and they were nicknamed “Pete” and “Repeat” for their doubles playing skills and last name.

Despite their talent, the Peters sisters faced significant barriers due to their race. At the time, segregation was widespread in the United States, and African Americans were not allowed to compete in most tennis tournaments. However, the Peters sisters were determined to play tennis, and they found a way to compete by joining the American Tennis Association (ATA), a league that was founded in 1916 to provide a platform for African American tennis players.

The Peters sisters quickly became two of the top players in the ATA. They won numerous singles and doubles championships, and they were known for their aggressive style of play. They were also known for their sportsmanship and their dedication to the sport of tennis.

College

In 1937, the Peters sisters enrolled at Tuskegee University, where they continued to play tennis and study physical education. They were both members of the Tuskegee Tigers tennis team, and they helped the team win several national championships.

While at Tuskegee, the Peters sisters also began to compete in international tournaments. In 1938, they won the women’s doubles title at the Maccabiah Games, an international Jewish sports competition. They also competed in the Wimbledon Championships, but they were not allowed to play against white players due to segregation.

Professional

After graduating from Tuskegee in 1941, the Peters sisters turned professional. However, they continued to face discrimination due to their race. They were not allowed to compete in most professional tournaments, and they had to travel long distances to find tournaments where they could play.

Despite the challenges they faced, the Peters sisters continued to play tennis at a high level. They won numerous ATA championships, and they were ranked as the top doubles team in the world for several years. They also became role models for other African American tennis players, and they helped to pave the way for future generations of African American tennis stars.

Tennis Legacy Amids Segregation

The Peters sisters were two of the most successful tennis players of their era, but they never received the recognition that they deserved due to segregation. However, their legacy continues to inspire tennis players of all backgrounds.

The Peters sisters were pioneers for African American tennis players. They showed that African Americans could compete at a high level, even when they faced discrimination. They also helped to raise awareness of segregation and its impact on African American athletes.

The Peters sisters were inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame in 1979, and they were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014. They were also awarded the National Sports Award by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1996.

The Peters sisters’ legacy is one of courage, determination, and excellence. They were pioneers for African American tennis players, and they helped to pave the way for future generations of tennis stars.