[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 47 (Monday, April 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF JACKIE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 15, 1997

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary 
of Jackie Robinson's integration of major league baseball. Robinson 
broke the color barrier and paved the way for talented minorities in 
professional sports careers. Half a century ago Robinson began his 
major league career with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. As the first 
African-American to play major league baseball, he endured insults and 
threats with a quiet dignity and his talent won him recognition as a 
great player. Included in his esteemed titles are 1947 National League 
Rookie of the Year, 1949 National League Most Valuable Player, and 1962 
Hall of Fame Inductee. In his decade long career, Robinson led the 
league in stolen bases and hitting, and he also garnered six All-Star 
selections.
  Following his career in baseball, Robinson served as the first 
African-American vice president of a major American corporation and 
played an active role in the civil rights movement. We should remember 
that Robinson's integration of major league baseball preceded the Brown 
versus Board of Education Supreme Court decision and Rosa Parks by 7 
and 8 years respectively. He struggled to bring dignity to his 
participation in major league baseball and other avenues of American 
life for African-Americans.
  As a young man, with Jackie Robinson as a profound role model, I 
considered a career in baseball and because of his impact to the sport, 
I thought it was a viable possibility. I proudly join with others to 
salute the contributions of Jackie Robinson to major league baseball 
and to political activist culture.

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