Teaching With Documents:
Beyond the Playing Field -
Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate
Jack Roosevelt Robinson (1919-72), the first black man to "officially" play in the big leagues in the 20th century, possessed enormous physical talent and a fierce determination to succeed. In the course of a distinguished 10-year career beginning in 1947, Robinson led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six National League titles and one victorious World Series. Beyond his many and stellar baseball feats, Jackie Robinson went on to champion the cause of civil rights when he retired from the game.
The National Archives and Records Administration holds numerous records relating to Jackie Robinson, many of which pertain to his period of civil rights advocacy. Several belonging to that time have been reproduced here for educators teaching courses that involve civil rights events and issues, character education, and effective citizenship skills.
Above: Jackie Robinson, undated, Records of the United States Information Agency, Record Group 306 (306-PS-50-4730), is available from the Still Pictures Branch at the National Archives at College Park, MD.