Jackie Robinson: No. 42, a Reluctant Pioneer

Since our nation’s founding, the most significant internal issue faced by our society has been the relationship between the races. The struggle for equality has taken place privately and publicly in many arenas including business, politics, the arts, and significantly professional sports. Breaking the color line in America’s National Pastime was a difficult task and it took the efforts of two very different men. One was Branch Rickey, a 64 year old white baseball executive for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The other was 26 year old Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson who withstood incredible abuse to become the first African American to play major League Baseball. Robinson not only withstood the challenges he faced, he excelled in his endeavors and proved by rugged determination that members of his race deserved an equal place in this most public arena. Some historians rate his accomplishments as equal in significance with the Supreme Court’s decision to outlaw segregation. Join us as we review the life and career of this extraordinary individual.