[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 52 (Monday, April 28, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF JACKIE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON

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                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 15, 1997

  Mr. STOKES.  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleague, the 
gentlelady from Florida, Congresswoman Carrie Meek, to commemorate an 
important occasion. Fifty years ago this month, Jackie Robinson broke 
major league baseball's color barrier. When he made his debut with the 
Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson opened doors closed to African-
American athletes. This week, activities are being held across the 
country to pay tribute to an outstanding individual who changed the 
course of history. I am honored to join my colleagues and others as we 
recognize the historic accomplishments of Jackie Robinson.
  When he entered the major baseball league, Jackie Robinson carried 
the hopes and aspirations of the black community on his shoulders. It 
wasn't an easy road. When they recruited him, it is reported that 
Robinson signed a contract which included a clause that he turn his 
cheek to all abuse for 2 years. Jackie Robinson encountered the unrest 
of his teammates, some of whom wanted to be traded rather than play 
with Robinson. He was also barred from staying in that team's hotel in 
St Louis and Philadelphia, and several clubs threatened to boycott 
games in which Jackie Robinson played. Through it all, Jackie Robinson 
endured. He changed people and he changed America.
  Mr. Speaker, many of us in this Chamber can recall watching Jackie 
Robinson during his legendary career. As a young man in Cleveland, OH, 
I recall that Jackie Robinson was a hero and a role model who inspired 
me to set goals and then achieve them. It is fitting that we recognize 
the efforts of an individual who started America on a new course in 
race relations.
  A few days ago, President Clinton spoke at Shea Stadium on the 
significance of Jackie Robinson's life. He said that Jackie Robinson, 
``changed the face of baseball and the face of America forever.'' 
Others recalled the passage from Jackie Robinson's gravestone which 
reads: ``A life is not important except in the impact it has on other 
lives.'' I take pride in honoring Jackie Robinson on this important 
occasion. He is more than a hero and more than a legend in the eyes of 
all Americans.

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