Jackie Robinson is the ultimate American hero in a class by himself of not only athletes, but of all Americans.
He was a four-sport athlete with high academic success and he served our country in WWII with great honor. This resonates with me because my grandfather Jefferson Vincent, who raised me, also served during that time—a time of segregation even in the military. In our household, Jackie was considered the standard of athleticism, service, dedication, courage and perseverance.
He stood against the hate and prejudice of segregation in the Jim Crow era. Standing up and showing up each day, his resolve brought an end to the color line in Major League Baseball at a time when it was illegal for Black Americans to play professional ball.
It is said that we all drink of wells from which we have not dug. We all are drinking from Jackie’s well. It is said that we all stand on the shoulders of giants. Jackie was and still is that giant upon whose shoulders we stand. His legacy is immortal.
His efforts gave us the courage to lean into the Civil Rights Movement. He challenged what was normal with dignity and respect. We know what we can be by what we see. Jackie exemplified that.
Robinson has not only inspired my participation in social justice and racial equality initiatives at the local, state and national levels, as I studied and learned more about Jackie and his corporate and business aptitude, he, John Wooten and Junior Bridgeman created paths I wanted to follow during and after my playing experience.
Most are unaware of Jackie’s post-baseball playing experience and the success he had in corporate America. Jackie owned Black banks and he supported under-resourced families for decades. His success off the field was parallel to what he demonstrated on the field.
My post-playing career is a parallel to Robinson’s, taking inspiration from his approach to civil rights, business and life. As an executive, my career has been aimed at eliminating bias, promoting trust and fairness, developing skills and providing opportunity for women and people of color. Like Jackie and Rachel Robinson, my wife Tommi and I, also chose to make a lifetime commitment to the community at large.
Our contribution to society through our Love Thy Neighbor Community Development and Opportunity Corporation seeks to provide equitable access to education, leadership development, safe environments, and essential resources, empowering individuals and families to achieve their fullest potential. We also work globally to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. These life-long efforts are inspired and influenced by men like Jackie Robinson.
Jackie was a devoted Christian, dedicated husband, served in WWII, an extraordinary athlete, business executive, and one who stood for what is just and right. He was an iconic figure both on the field and in society.
For me, he is a beacon of light, hope, faith, and inspiration, exemplifying the definition of integrity and respect, providing a road map for living a meaningful life of impact.