Black, young and talented, this is a very full, honorable description to introduce a baseball icon from many, many decades ago... Jackie Robinson!
Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play in the Major Leagues for the Brooklyn Dodgers back in 1947. Robinson was also the first to brake all the barriers when it came to sports players and sports playing. After leaving his Negro League the Kansas City Monarchs, Robinson took his chances when he decided he wanted to play for the Major League. This was a tremendous step, but Robinson still went through.
It is a complete shame that African-Americans were not allowed to mix themselves and play sports with all the professional white players. Playing a sport should not require of a specific skin color, but rather a specific skill and ability to play. African-Americans are not different than the rest of Americans. Racism within sports was an ugly thing back in the day and more so in the 40's when they were allowed to fight but not play.
The 1940's was a time of war and most of all a time where racism was a huge issue, this was also a time where World War II was going on and African-Americans were able to sign up, go fight and some, even die for their country, but they were not allowed to come back and play with their country. This was such a hateful act of unkindness for the people that took their chances to do something good for their country and not get anything back in return from serving.
Jackie Robinson left a legacy, he was able to break all the barriers that came to him, from hatred to racism. Robinson was able to put it all aside and fight through the madness of mankind, but how is his legacy being lived today? What impact did Robinson leave on the African-American and other race players in the major league? Everything possible. Robinson made it easier for people today, he work for what everyone else enjoys today, but he did it with hard work and integrity, believing in his success and the success of other people.
People are very fortunate to grow up with everything that they need to survive in such a cruel world, then there are people that need everything they can possibly get to fight through it in order to survive it. Robinson was a fighter, nothing was handed down to him, he fought for what he believed in and made it worth while. That is why he's a legend today and that is why African-Americans play the game today.
"I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... all I ask is that you respect me as a human being." -Jackie Robinson
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1146330-jackie-robinson-racial-inequality-still-hampers-americas-favorite-pastime
http://www.jackierobinson.com/index.php
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