The History Chicks

A young woman named Taylor Swift, who we admire greatly, has just released an album that includes a track called "Clara Bow". We thought we would reach back into the archives and bring you the story of Clara Bow, who was the world's first "it" girl, and her journey through the perilous world of fame.  This episode is sponsored by: Lume Deodorant, save with promo code CHICKS Factor Meals, save with promo code hc50 Osea skin care, save with promo code CHICKS Aura Frames, save with promo code CHICKS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Babe's colorful personality, drive, and athleticism made her a role model for girls and women across the globe as an Olympian and a multi=sport professional athlete. We've spoken so often about her lately that we thought it might be time for a refresher on her story!

After decades of struggle against obstacles and expectations that would defeat most of us, Althea Gibson achieved international success in the world of tennis; breaking the color barrier at Wimbledon, and opening the game to future generations of players. She built many bridges and fought the good fight in many fields of endeavor - we only wish that her admirers had made sure that Althea realized during her lifetime what an impact she had made on the world.

According to Jessie Tarbox Beals - the first female photojournalist in the world - the key to success is mostly HUSTLE. In her case, it looked like this: arrive in a new town, set up a darkroom, canvas the populace, ingratiate yourself, SNAP SNAP SNAP, develop, print, deliver, catch the train as it's pulling out of the station... Be in the right place at the right time. Make your own opportunities. repeat repeat repeat

There are quite a few lines on a tennis court; sideline, baseline, service line - all of which have their functions. But beginning in 1950, a powerful and charismatic African American athlete named Althea Gibson began to smash tennis' color lines, one after another.