The LPGA is committed to changing the face of golf, making the sport we love more diverse, accessible, and inclusive. This month we are proud to share the stories of our Black Tour players, teachers, amateurs, and junior golfers as we celebrate Black History Month.
Title/Employer: Founder, Pitchmark Advisory Group
LPGA.com: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Greta Anderson: For me, Black History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate the amazing strides made by African Americans. Despite so many barriers, limitations and hurdles (past and present), we are making substantial progress.
Q: Which historical African American has been a source of inspiration in your life (and why)?
A: These past few months I've really been studying and enjoying jazz pioneer Ms. Ella Fitzgerald. Her story is amazing! Singing was not something she was particularly good at, but once she realized that she enjoyed it and that she could develop her skills, she soared! I am enamored by Ms. Fitzgerald's story because despite the deck being stacked against her, despite the racism and sexism, she honed her craft, pursued and achieved excellence that snow the benchmark by which so many are measured.
Q: In the coming years, what role do you see African Americans playing in the golf industry?
A: I believe that African Americans will play a huge role in the continuing growth and vitality of the golf industry for a variety of reasons. From leadership roles within professional associations like the LPGA, to increasing numbers of credentialed teaching professionals, to clothing and media companies -we are already in the game! The depth and breadth of African Americans in golf will only expand.
Q: How do you celebrate/honor Black History Month each year?
A: During this special time, I really make an extra effort to learn the backstory of an exceptional African American whose story I do not yet know well. Someone whose singular focus was/is excellence, despite the discriminatory and imbalanced conditions to which they were subjected.
Q: What resources/tools do you recommend for those would like to learn more about Black History? (Movies, documentaries, series, books, podcasts)
A: A great place to begin would be with any one of the riveting documentaries by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, including but not limited to: The African Americans - Many Rivers to Cross, and Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise. Likewise, NPR's top-rated Code Switch podcast is insightful and thought-provoking in its exploration of the intersection of race, history and society.