Jackie Robinson And The Civil Rights Movement

Jackie Robinson was not only the first African American to play in the MLB but, directly contributed to the civil rights movement around the world. Jackie Robinson made his debut April 15, 1947, for the Brooklyn Dodgers, officially breaking the color barrier. Jackie was not the best African American baseball player but Branch Rickey, the owner of the Dodgers once said, "I'm not looking for someone who is strong enough to fight back, I'm looking for someone who is strong enough not to fight back" (Branch Rickey). Jackie never fought back and his actions soon became the way many African Americans would fight the civil rights movement. Outside of baseball Jackie got involved in the civil rights movement through organizations. With his involvement Jackie had an impact on civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, as well as presidents, and other government officials (The Civil Rights Movement). Jackie Robinson impacted baseball and the nationwide civil rights movement through the integration of baseball, involvement in the civil rights movement, and his public image.

When Jackie Robinson integrated baseball, it had an immediate impact on the MLB and the nationwide civil rights movement. What Jackie did for his race was astonishing; he installed pride for African Americans which were previously non-existent. When Jackie integrated baseball, he created a multi- racial sport for years to come, not only in baseball, but all other professional sports in America. Jackie showed whites that blacks can play sports at the same level. Jackie was the first African American to win the MVP, get elected into the Hall of Fame, and have his number 42 which is the only number retired in all of baseball (In the MLB...

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... impacted baseball and the nationwide civil rights movement. Jackie gave African Americans a sense of pride when he broke the color barrier in the MLB. By breaking the color barrier the civil rights movement became closer to achieving equal rights. Jackie’s on the field accomplishments are extraordinary, but his off the field involvement is what makes Jackie a special man. He was the man who innovated the civil rights movement with his non- violent actions which had an effect on later civil rights activists. Jackie led by example and because of his success many African Americans followed him. Jackie was not concerned with how he would perform in the MLB; he was concerned with how he would affect the civil rights movement and others lives and this showed when he said “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” (Jackie Robinson Quotes).