Ora Belle Washington (c. 1899 – December 21, 1971) was an American athlete from the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

After the American Civil War, the state of Virginia was in debt and to save money did not issue birth certificates from 1896 to 1912.

Like other African Americans during the Great Migration, the Washingtons moved north in the mid 1910s looking for better economic opportunities.

The following year, she defeated the reigning national African American singles champion Isadore Channels.

After moving to Chicago in 1929, Washington won her first singles championship that same year when she defeated Frances Gittens in three sets.

[3] On the tennis court, Washington's presence loomed larger to her opponents than her 5 ft 7 in (170 cm), 130-pound (59 kg) frame.

Opponents and fans described Washington as a strategic and physically strong player, noting her intimidating competitiveness and overhead play.

[2] Tennis great Arthur Ashe credited her foot speed, honed during her basketball play, as one of her greatest strengths on the court.

In contrast to Washington, Lomax quickly earned a reputation as "the glamour girl of tennis", for her strong fashion sense and friendship with icons such as Joe Louis.

[2] Washington retired completely from sport in the mid-1940s, after she and partner George Stewart defeated Walter Johnson and upcoming superstar Althea Gibson to win the 1947 ATA mixed doubles title.

On April 9, 1931, the Hornets won the National Girls Basketball Title, beating the Rankin Femmes, a team from near Pittsburgh, in the final.

In one game against the male Quicksteppers in January 1932, they stayed close and, on a last second basket by Evelyn Mann, the Hornets emerged victorious.

The Tribunes won all three games, the second of which was described by the Chicago Defender as "the greatest exhibition ever staged in North Carolina".

[16] A state historical marker stands at 6128 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, the location of the Colored YWCA where she taught and played, now home to Settlement Music School.

[19] On July 31, 2019, a statue inspired by Washington, titled "MVP", was added to Smith Playground in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.