February is Black History Month, and Mississippi has a rich history of notable contributors to the black tennis community.  From coaches, players, programs, officials, NJTL's, and volunteers; Mississippi has variety great contributors past and present that deserve recognition for the tennis contributions they've brought to the state.

This month, we'll be highlighting some of those individuals and their stories, so stay tuned each week for a new feature!

2026 Black History Month Features

• Armetha Anthony Feature Story (Jackson MS) Player, Captain, Coach

2025 Black History Month Features

• Birlette Jelks (Greenville CTA/NJTL) Feature Story
• Nyesha Nealon (Player, Volunteer, Coach)
• Rick Shields (Vicksburg Tennis Pro/Halls Ferry Park Director)
• Akeelah & Randy Sartin (TossnServe Tennis Program/Columbia)

2024 Black History Month Features

• Deneen Mosley Feature Post
• Dennis Butler Highlight Story
• Laperiall Jones Highlight Story
• Chris Adams Feature Post

2023 Black History Month Archived Features

• Alexandria Magee Feature Post
• Henry Harris Feature Story
• Peggie Henderson Feature Story
• Felicia Ford Feature Post
• Venecca Green Feature Story
• Willie Shepard HBCU Story