Jackie Robinson And His Role In Breaking Color Barriers

America is known for its ability to break down historical barriers. The ability to overcome historical barriers is either natural or psychological. For example, figures like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman. Jackie Robinson, a Major league baseball player, was first African American male professional baseball player. Jackie Robinson, a first-ever black male baseball player, broke all barriers. This helped break down the barriers of color that shaped America’s culture.

Jackie Roosevelt Robinson is also known to Jack. His middle name was inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt’s death twenty-five days prior to Robinson’s birth. Jackie was born to Mallie Robinson and Jerry Robinson. He was the youngest of three siblings, Edgar, Frank, Willa Mae and Mack. He attended John Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College in California. There he played four sports: basketball, baseball, track and football. These four sports were not the only ones he played. He also played tennis, and was named the region’s most valuable baseball player in 1938. This is also the year he won junior singles in the Pacific Coast Negro Tennis Tournament. After graduating from Washington Steam Management Program, he then attended Pasadena City College where he spent two years before moving to UCLA. His time at UCLA saw him become the first UCLA student ever to receive varsity letters for four sports. He was an athletic athlete, but financial problems forced him to quit college shortly before graduation. Jackie was drafted to the army in 1942, during World War II. He was assigned to Fort Riley’s segregated Army Cavalry Unit. Jackie made friendship with Joe Lewis, who is a boxing great. They used Joe’s celebrity to protest the delayed enrollment of black soldiers at an officer-candidate school. Robinson was caught refusing to ride in an unsegregated bus seat at this point. He was given an honorable discharge and received a second class medal in 1944. In 1945 Jackie Robinson signed his contract with the Kansas City Monarchs. Robinson played shortstop, later becoming a Negro League All-Star Game player. He married Rachel Islum a year later and they had three wonderful children, Sharon, David, and Jackie Jr. Robinson’s exceptional baseball skills helped him become the rookie-of-the-year with a batting percentage of.297 and 12 homers. Larry Doby, a friend of Jackie, was also an African American baseball player in American League. He played the same year that Robinson. Jackie began to use violent racial slurs against people when it was revealed that he was playing for Los Angeles Dodgers. Dee Wee Reese learned of Jackie’s involvement in the Dodgers and he opened up to him. He stated that you could hate a man from many reasons. He would break the colour barrier at this point. Jackie was not afraid to face racial slurs and belittled. But, today, many people recognize Jackie for being the first African American American to enter the twenty-first century. Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier had a profound impact on America and many others around the globe. Jackie Robinson was a champion for equality. He was also a strong figure in civil rights. It was difficult for African Americans to get jobs during this time due to their skin colour. People are starting to see people as individuals, not just by skin color. Many African Americans now have the ability to obtain jobs. Harry Truman, who was influenced by Jackie, was the thirty-third President. Truman ordered integration of the Armed Forces, so that they can work together regardless of their respective colors. Jackie broke down the barriers of color in sports and enabled the Civil Rights Movement to thrive. Robinson was playing baseball in that era and faced defamatory remarks from his fans, as well as death threats, due to his skin color. Robinson didn’t let this stop him from his dream of playing professional baseball. It shows that, despite the odds being against you, you can still be determined and strong. Jackie Robinson’s influence on society was significant. People now play and work with people from all walks of life. Jackie Robinson retired from his job and began to work as a businessman. He also became involved in politics. He was determined to have a positive impact on the country. Many important events took place in the years after his retirement to help break down racism. The Congress of Racial Equality was founded, followed by the March on Washington that featured Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s ‘I Have a Dream” speech. People began to shift their perspectives on others based upon the content of who they are, and not how skin-colored they were. Unfortunately, the racial barriers still have an impact on society today, even though they are now less blurred. Robinson may not have intended that he would play such a large role in equal rights for baseball players, but as a person he has greatly influenced this country. According to him, there is nothing more than what we ask. We want to live the same life as you and our Constitution allow us to. Robinson was an important figure in history and he showed extraordinary leadership. He was a professional baseball pitcher and gave speeches to raise money for various civil rights organizations. However, even after his playing career, Robinson continued to advocate for African Amricans as well as many other groups. His business efforts helped African Americans have the opportunity to achieve the equality they deserve. Jackie Robinson’s impact on the field and off it cannot be overstated. His example has been an inspiration to many people of color in many areas, including sports. Today’s athletes do not have the star talent or social awareness that Robinson achieved. His tragic death on October 24, 1972 created a void that is still to be filled. Although he was a young man, he had a profound impact on the history of professional baseball and all American sports.

Author

  • isabelowen

    Isabel is a 30-year-old educational blogger and student. She has been writing about education for over 10 years and has written for a variety of different platforms. She is currently a student at the University of Utah.

isabelowen

isabelowen

Isabel is a 30-year-old educational blogger and student. She has been writing about education for over 10 years and has written for a variety of different platforms. She is currently a student at the University of Utah.

You may also like...