Save Portland Athletic Club – Preserve a Legacy of Black Excellence in Tennis

Join Us in Protecting Oregon’s First and Only Black-Owned Tennis Club!

We, the undersigned, urgently call for the preservation of the Portland Athletic Club (PAC)—the first and only Black-owned tennis club in in the Pacific Northwest. Founded by the trailblazing Marion “Paps” Blackburn, PAC has become a beacon of accessibility, affordability, and excellence in the Portland tennis community. Today, this historic institution is at risk of being sold, threatening the legacy of a man who overcame segregation to create opportunities for future generations.

Tennis Changes Lives—And Saves Them
Tennis is more than a game. Science shows that playing tennis adds more years to life than any other sport. It strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and fosters deep social connections. For seniors, it keeps them active and engaged. For youth, it provides structure, mentorship, and a path to college scholarships. At PAC, tennis isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifeline.

Who was Marion “Paps” Blackburn?
Born in Jim Crow-era Alabama, Marion Blackburn was denied access to the two “whites-only” tennis courts in his hometown. Determined to play, he defied the odds and became the first Black American accepted into the Irvington Club after initially being denied. Fueled by a passion for the game and a heart for teaching, he went on to open the first and only Black-owned tennis club in Oregon—PAC. His mission was clear: make tennis affordable, accessible, and welcoming for all, especially kids and seniors.

A Growing, Thriving Community Hub
Over the past two years, PAC has doubled in growth:
✔ The largest junior tennis academy in Portland, led by renowned coach Lew DeLeon
✔ 22 dedicated staff members whose jobs and livelihoods depend on the club
✔ New courts, a renovated pool, and top-tier programs (USTA, UTR, High-Performance, High School Leagues)
✔ A home for local seniors and youth who rely on PAC for recreation, mentorship, and community.

The Crisis: PAC at Risk
Due to a conservatorship process, PAC is now at risk of being sold for purposes unrelated to tennis. If lost, Portland would face an even greater shortage of accessible and affordable tennis facilities, and a legacy of Black excellence in sports would be erased from our city.

What’s at Stake?
🚨 The loss of jobs for 22 employees
🚨 The dismantling of Portland’s largest junior tennis program
🚨 The erasure of Marion Blackburn’s historic contribution to Oregon’s sports landscape
🚨 The end of a vital, inclusive space that has fostered family, community, and opportunity

Hope for the Future: How You Can Help

Signing this petition means you stand for:

✅ Keeping PAC Open – Urgent action is needed to keep PAC open past March 1st while mediation is underway. This ensures 22 employees keep their jobs and PAC members continue to have a place to belong.

✅ Keeping It Tennis – Portland already faces a shortage of affordable indoor courts, and PAC is vital for players of all ages. Losing it means losing access to year-round tennis.

PAC member Sam Sirkin has formed a consortium of interested buyers dedicated to preserving PAC as a tennis facility. If you or someone you know is interested in investing, contact Sam at samsirkin@gmail.com.

✅ Keeping Marion’s Legacy Alive – Marion Blackburn overcame segregation to become the first and only Black owner of a tennis club in the Pacific Northwest. Saving PAC means honoring his legacy and ensuring future generations continue to benefit from his vision.

📢 SIGN & SHARE WIDELY! 

Let’s fight for history, community, and the future of tennis in Portland!

#SavePAC #BlackTennisHistory #ProtectOurLegacy #PortlandAthleticClub #MarionBlackburn