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Jackie Robinson

Origin: Cairo, Georgia
(January 31, 1919 - October 24, 1972)

Heroic Values: Achievement, Courage, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Tolerance, Vision

Background

Though born in Georgia, Jackie Robinson moved to California with his mother after his father left the family. He played a lot of sports in high school, but baseball eventually won out over basketball, tennis, and football.

He served in the military from 1942 to 1944. He was honourably discharged in 1944 after refusing to give up his seat on a bus to a white man. This was ten years before Rosa Parks became famous for doing the same thing.

On April 15th, 1947, Robinson played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers - the first African American ever to do so. During his career Robinson was derided by his team mates, fans, and opponents. He handled it all, with support from a small number of friends, and was able to excel in the league. He won the Rookie of the Year award his first season and went on to record a great career.

After retiring from baseball, Robinson kept himself in the public eye, fighting for equal rights in America. He was a contemporary with Martin Luther King, Jr. and supported his work. He died in 1972 due to complications from diabetes and heart disease.

Sources

Wikipedia
The online encyclopedia

Time 100
Time's biography

Jackie Robinson Foundation
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