Jackie should speak for himself - "At the beginning of the World Series of 1947, I experienced a completely new emotion, when the national anthem was played. This time, I thought, it is being played for me, as much as for anyone else. This is organized Major League Baseball, and I am standing here with all the others; and everything that takes place includes me."
"[ . . .] to myself I can say that, because progress is unalterable, many of today's dogmas will have vanished by the time [my children] grow into adults. I can say to my children, there is a chance for you."
"There is no Middle Ages logic so strong that it can stop the human tide from moving forward."
"I do believe - and with every fibre in me - that what I was able to attain came to be because we put behind us (no matter how slowly) the dogmas of the past: to discover the truth of today, and perhaps find the greatness of tomorrow."
"I believe in the human race. I believe in Man's integrity. I believe in the goodness of a free society. And I believe that a society can remain good only as long as we are willing to fight for it -- and to fight against whatever imperfections may exist."
Nice collection of Jack cards. He really did sacrifice himself for the greater good. As a white person it's hard to imagine how unbearable it must have been for him.
ReplyDeleteHaving read his book and watched as many documentaries I can get my hands on, I know for certain that nothing in my life has been nearly as difficult as what Jackie Robinson endured. The man was nothing short of amazing, and I also have to marvel at what a wonderful life his wife Rachel has lived, and the work she's done over the years. It's clear that he was able to be the man he was in no small part thanks to what a partner Rachel was.
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