A Letter to the President
http://www.africanafrican.com/negroartist/CIVIL%20RIGHTS%20IMAGERY4/index3.html
The last reason Jackie Robinson was responsible for a turning point in history is he fought for the civil rights of others. Jackie wrote countless letters to presidents and other important leaders arguing for changes in the civil rights of blacks.
In 1958, using his new powerful, corporate position as vice-president and director of personnel for the Chock Full o' Nuts coffee company, he wrote a letter to President Dwight D. Eisenhower; in this letter he explains why he was becoming frustrated.
Robinson argued that it is hard to be patient when countless blacks like him were being treated so poorly; he felt that Eisenhower was crushing the spirit of blacks while giving hope to pro-segregation people.
In 1958, using his new powerful, corporate position as vice-president and director of personnel for the Chock Full o' Nuts coffee company, he wrote a letter to President Dwight D. Eisenhower; in this letter he explains why he was becoming frustrated.
Robinson argued that it is hard to be patient when countless blacks like him were being treated so poorly; he felt that Eisenhower was crushing the spirit of blacks while giving hope to pro-segregation people.
A Telegram from the front lines
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/jackie-robinson/telegram-1965.html
Sending a telegram in 1965, to President Lyndon B. Johnson, Jackie insisted that immediate action be taken in Alabama, warning that brutal tactics used against African Americans by "legalized hatchet men" (his description of law enforcement throughout the state) could lead to warfare.
Next, in 1972, Jackie wrote a letter to Roland Elliot, a special assistant to President Richard Nixon; in this letter he explains that action must be taken quickly on segregation, or the consequence could shatter the nation.
Next, in 1972, Jackie wrote a letter to Roland Elliot, a special assistant to President Richard Nixon; in this letter he explains that action must be taken quickly on segregation, or the consequence could shatter the nation.
A country torn apart
Despite the sacrifice and efforts of people like Jackie, the United States during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s was a country where African Americans were still viewed by many to be second-class citizens. Most attempts by citizens like Rosa Parks and Medgar Evers, or leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King and Jackie Robinson, to help establish equality for African Americans was met with continued oppression, hatred and violence.
Credits for photos above (clockwise, from top left)
http://dcbanks.blogspot.com/2012/01/gov-christie-played-fast-and-loose-with.html
http://www.the40yearplan.com/article_012310_Miss_Emma_Rose.php
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/civil%20rights%20movement
http://www.theurbanpolitico.com/2012/07/the-police-vs-your-rights-one.html
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/civil%20rights%20movement
http://www.amistadresource.org/civil_rights_era/birmingham_desegregation_campaign.html
http://dcbanks.blogspot.com/2012/01/gov-christie-played-fast-and-loose-with.html
http://www.the40yearplan.com/article_012310_Miss_Emma_Rose.php
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/civil%20rights%20movement
http://www.theurbanpolitico.com/2012/07/the-police-vs-your-rights-one.html
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/civil%20rights%20movement
http://www.amistadresource.org/civil_rights_era/birmingham_desegregation_campaign.html
A voice for many
Aside from continually reaching out to other leaders in the country, Jackie was also a special assistant in the 1964 Nelson Rockefeller presidential campaign, he was a spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and he fought for the housing rights of African Americans.
A famous quote from Jackie states, "A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives" (Ward). Jackie fought hard for civil rights for most of his life.
A famous quote from Jackie states, "A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives" (Ward). Jackie fought hard for civil rights for most of his life.
the ultimate honor
In 1997, Jackie Robinson's number 42 was retired by every team in Major League Baseball to honor the significance of his historic achievments on and off the field.
There is only one player that currently wears number 42, Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera. Rivera is still allowed to wear number 42 because it was his then-current number when the MLB retired number 42.
However, Rivera has just announced that he will retire after the 2013 season, leaving no players with the number 42 in the MLB.
Except on Jackie Robinson Day, April 15th of every MLB season, when all 750 Major League players will once again wear Jackie's number. .
There is only one player that currently wears number 42, Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera. Rivera is still allowed to wear number 42 because it was his then-current number when the MLB retired number 42.
However, Rivera has just announced that he will retire after the 2013 season, leaving no players with the number 42 in the MLB.
Except on Jackie Robinson Day, April 15th of every MLB season, when all 750 Major League players will once again wear Jackie's number. .
a home run for history
In conclusion, Jackie Robinson was responsible for a major turning point in history. One reason Jackie Robinson was significant is he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Another reason Jackie Robinson changed history is he showed others how to handle racism with grace and dignity. Lastly, Jackie fought for the civil rights of others.
Without Jackie Robinson, and other civil rights leaders, African Americans may not experience some of the freedom they have today. Both on and off the field, Jackie Robinson made a mark on American history.
Without Jackie Robinson, and other civil rights leaders, African Americans may not experience some of the freedom they have today. Both on and off the field, Jackie Robinson made a mark on American history.