B.M. Clark

 

Being Black and good enough to get an invitation to play at Wimbledon is an accomplishment in its own right.  But, B.M. Clark was also a scholar and a phenomenal athlete.  He graduated from the College of Jamaica in 1911.  In June 1910, he won the standing high jump for secondary school Boys sports and over the next decade also became the finest golfer in Jamaica.

B.M. Clark

 

Born on April 29, 1894, he was the All-Jamaica Tennis Champion for seven consecutive years.  He traveled to many parts of the world to compete, and was noted for unseating Black American national champion Tally Holmes for the American Tennis Association title in 5 sets in 1920.

 

But, as you know, tennis was recreation.  At work he was a civil servant, working as a medical secretary for the Island Board of Health.  For 11 years, from 1941 to 1951, he was Secretary of the Jamaica Golf Association and devoted a great deal of his time to coaching younger players.  He was chosen to “Who’s Who in Jamaica” in 1946 and should never be forgotten for breaking the barriers for all who followed.

Photo and details provided by Doug Burke, Former National Director for Tennis Jamaica and ATP Tour Player.

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