Althea Gibson and Alice Coachman - Sports stars

One side of the bag has Althea Gibson (1927-2003). In 1956 Althea Neale Gibson became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships). The following year she won both Wimbledon and the US Nationals (precursor of the US Open), then won both again in 1958 and was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in both years. In all, she won 11 Grand Slam tournaments: five singles titles, five doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title.

The other side of the bag features Alice Coachman (1923-2014). Alice Coachman was the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Coachman’s medal was awarded at the 1948 Olympic Games in London where she leapt 5 feet 6 ⅛ inches to win first place in the high jump.

Even though Coachman was celebrated for her win with motorcade parades, she still faced segregation in the South.

In 1952, Coachman became the first Black woman to endorse an international product. Coca-Cola hired her to become a spokesperson for the brand.

These two portraits are part of the 100 Women of Color and  Accomplishment series painted by Carol Jacobsen between 2020 and 2025. For more information on the women in the series see caroljacobsen.org

This 100% cotton bag comes in one size – 15" x 16"– perfect for everyday wear. While the canvas material will show off your designs in great colors, it's durable and will last for years. The bag features 20" handles (made from the same canvas), making it easy to carry even with a week's worth of shopping.

.: 100% cotton canvas

.: Heavy fabric (12 oz/yd² (406.9 g/m²))

.: Sewn-in label

.: Available in natural and black colors