Jackie Robinson

Born: 1919 in Georgia

Died: 1972

Pro baseball player who became 1st African American to play in Major Leagues breaking the “color line”.

Brooklyn Dodgers’ Branch Rickey signed him knowing he’d have to deal with racial abuse directed at him “with guts enough not to fight back.”

Was National League MVP in 1949 & fans voted him starting 2nd baseman for All-Star Game.

First black player inducted into MLB Hall of Fame in 1962 & his number #42 was retired by all MLB teams.

Key figure in Civil Rights Movement, he won Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Said: “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”