Jackie Robinson

The first key to Jackie Robinson's success was his humbleness. He came from a poor background with a father who abandoned his family and left his mother to take care of their five children. Robinson's goal was never to be famous, but to innovate the lives of others. Whenever Jackie witnessed racism against anyone, he did something about it, "...served as a morale officer...his opposition to racial discrimination led to a court-martial..." (The Biography Channel Website). He stood up for what he believed in and didn't let his fame decide his actions because he stayed humble. Jackie never swayed from his beliefs which proves he is humble and led to his success. Another example of Jackie's humbleness is when he was chosen to be the first African American in the majors,"...he expressed delight at being chosen as the first black man in the major leagues"(Judith S. Baughman). Robinson wasn't the boastful type; he acknowledged that he was the first black man in major league baseball but didn't let that fact go to his head. By staying head strong and humble Jackie Robinson was able to impact the lives of countless others to come.

Jackie's biggest obstacle he faced in life and especially in baseball was racism. As a result of Robinson being alone as an African American in an all white man's league, he was hated by most people. However, the racism towards Robinson didn't originate in his baseball years, but in his early years,"I was sweeping our sidewalk when a little neighbor girl shouted [the 'N' word at me.'"(Jackie Robinson). The use of the "N" word several times proves how harsh Jackie was treated and how racist people were to him. Another example of the racism Robinson faced was when he stood up for himself and his race, but had to pay the price, "...arrested...during boot camp after he refused to move to the back of a segregated bus."(The Biography Channel Website). Jackie proves his braveness when he refuses to go to the back of the bus. This scenario played out many times where black people were forced to move to a different part of a public area because it was for whites, like when Rosa Parks was arrested for the same action. This again exhibits how people treated Jackie because of the color of his skin and how he stood up for himself by being courageous. He was brave because when faced with racism he didn't accept the way he was treated and took action.

Robinson worked selflessly to prove that a black man could do the same as a white man could do. Robinson was under insurmountable pressure however, in the 1947 season. He performed outstanding to justify his point. "Robinson's performance surpassed expectation in his 1947 season..."(Judith S. Baughman). Jackie worked actively for the future success of his race. He knew his play on the field would pave way for others after him. Robinson knew others player's futures depended on his success so he was very cautious of his actions. "Cautioned to prove himself worthy because other black player's futures depended on his success..." (Encyclopedia of World Biography). Jackie was selfless because he played for others. He had to be very cautious with everything he did because he was under the spotlight of the entire league and proved himself worthy and the next generation to come.

Jackie Robinson truly did impact the greater majority of the world establishing him as a hero in the eyes of many . He was cemented to his beliefs and inspired society to be selfless,brave and humble. He was an outstanding role model who sacrificed his life for the future of others and to break down the color barrier. Jackie was influential because he set an example for others facing racism by not fighting back with violence or words, but with his play on the baseball field. "Robinson promised not to fight back when confronted with racism"(The Biography Channel Website). This displays his selflessness and bravery for not fighting back against racism with violence or insults which aided in his success. Robinson is inspirational because he knew he had to ignore the racism for it to not get in the way of his success. Jackie is again inspiring because he was still humble even after he succeeded in breaking down the color barrier. He didn't boast or brag about his accomplishments because actions speak louder than words and by not being cocky it demonstrated his humbleness. Jackie Robinson opened up the gates of racism against African Americans in sports and the world. He is a hero because with one life he transformed millions of others.

Works Cited

"Jackie Robinson." 2013. The Biography Channel website. Dec 09 2013, 12:04

"Jack Roosevelt Robinson." Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 13. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 207-208. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 10 Dec. 2013

Robinson, Jackie, and Alfred Duckett. I Never Had It Made,. New York: Putnam, 1972. Print.

"Robinson, Jackie 1919-1972." American Decades. Ed. Judith S. Baughman, et al. Vol. 5: 1940-1949. Detroit:Gale, 2001. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.

"Robinson, Jackie." UXL Encyclopedia of U.S. History. Sonia Benson, Daniel E.    Brannen, Jr., and Rebecca Valentine. Vol. 7. Detroit: UXL, 2009. 1324-1327. Gale Virtual Reference Library.     Web. 9 Dec. 2013.