Jackie Robinson

Born Jan. 31, 1919, Cairo, Ga., U.S.—died Oct. 24, 1972

Jackie Robinson was the first Black baseball player to play in the American Major Leagues. He broke the “color line” of MLB when he played for the LA Dodgers in April of 1947.  He overcame discrimination and segregation in his life to become a leading figure of and activist for Civil Rights. He faced terrible bigotry in the MLB, yet he rose above it so he would become known for his talent and ability.  

In his retirement, Robinson continued to be a civil rights activist as a spokesperson for the NAACP. He was the first Black person in the Baseball Hall of Fame and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.