From segregation to success: The journey of black golfers in America

By Michael Dean NNPA Newswire The Arizona Republic published a piece titled, “How Black History Month Came to Be” that was written by Amaris Encinas of USA TODAY. The article focused on the month-long commemoration created to reflect on the past, acknowledge the continued struggle for racial justice and draw inspiration from the achievements of African Americans. Dr. Carter G. Woodson conceived the idea of “Negro History Week” in 1926 and worked long and hard over the years to see that the week be extended. The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February since. In the game of golf there is also a history timeline filled with events that were chronicled and have a place in history. Here are a few. In 1896, John Shippen became the first Black golfer to play in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills where he worked as a caddie at the age of 17. He tied for sixth place and won $10.00. Shippen is the...