{"id":29212,"date":"2026-04-01T15:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T19:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanspaces.state.gov\/?p=29212"},"modified":"2026-04-14T07:59:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T11:59:47","slug":"jackie-robinson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanspaces.state.gov\/jackie-robinson\/","title":{"rendered":"Jackie Robinson"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

JACKIE ROBINSON<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
PROGRAM <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

An American Hero<\/em><\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This toolkit is designed for programming at American Spaces to support sports diplomacy through the exploration of a barrier-breaking athlete.<\/em> <\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons<\/a>  <\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Robinson in his Kansas City Monarchs uniform. 
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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons<\/a> <\/sup><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Robinson, first baseman with the Brooklyn Dodgers, circa 1949. 
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MORE RESOURCES<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Graphics<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The American Heroes Collection<\/a> features digital media assets, including posters, videos, social media graphics that were designed for use in American Spaces. The collection contains six files showcasing Jackie Robinson that can be used online or in physical spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Film<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

42: The True Story of an American Legend<\/strong> (128 minutes)* \u2014 Tells the story of Robinson\u2019s path to become the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers. Starring Chadwick Boseman. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Robinson | Kanop<\/strong>y<\/a> (2 parts) \u2014 Documentary from acclaimed director Ken Burns. 
Part One (112 minutes): Robinson rises from humble origins to integrate Major League Baseball, performing brilliantly despite the threats and abuse he faces on and off the field and, in the process, challenges the prejudiced notions of what a black man can achieve.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part Two (113 minutes): Robinson uses his fame to speak out against injustice, alienating many who had once lauded him for \u201cturning the other cheek.\u201d After baseball, he seeks ways to fight inequality, but as he faces a crippling illness, he struggles to remain relevant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Jackie Robinson Story<\/strong> (77 minutes)* \u2014 Traces Robinson’s career in the Negro Leagues and the major leagues. Restored in original black and white. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overdrive Resources<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consider organizing discussions, English conversation clubs, scavenger hunts, and displays about the following book. These programs and displays can also be an opportunity to promote individual eLibraryUSA accounts. Regularly highlighting one book or magazine on your social media platforms can generate online discussion and spark interest in eLibraryUSA<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball | OverDrive<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The integration of baseball in 1947 marked a turning point in American history and the civil rights movement, as Jackie Robinson broke a barrier long thought unchangeable. Facing constant racism and hostility, Robinson\u2019s success in the major leagues forced the nation to confront the issue of racial equality. This brief biography tells the story of his courage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Articles<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

April 15, 1997: Jackie Robinson\u2019s Number Retired<\/a> | <\/em>National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Robinson: Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument<\/a> | <\/em>National Park Service <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Robinson, Circa 1946<\/a> | <\/em>National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Robinson\u2014Freedom Fighter<\/a> | National Archives <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Robinson: Paving the Way Forward<\/a> | <\/em>National Museum of African American History and Culture <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports Heroes Who Served: Baseball Great Jackie Robinson Was WWII Soldier<\/a> | U.S. Department of War <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online Exhibits<\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating Jackie: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson\u2019s Major League Debut<\/a> | National Museum of African American History and Culture<\/strong> 
This online exhibition from the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of African American History and Culture and Google Arts & Culture commemorates the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson\u2019s Major League Baseball debut. Through photographs, artifacts, and stories, it explores Robinson\u2019s achievements, public impact, and lasting legacy as a symbol of opportunity in the United States. 
 
Jackie Robinson<\/a> | National Baseball Hall of Fame<\/strong> 
This exhibit profile highlights Jackie Robinson\u2019s groundbreaking career, from integrating Major League Baseball in 1947 to becoming a Hall of Fame inductee in 1962. It combines biography, career statistics, and historical context to show how Robinson\u2019s talent and resilience reshaped baseball. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, 1919 \u2013 October 24, 1972) was an American professional baseball player who was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the color line when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Jackie Robinson Day is a traditional event which occurs annually on April 15 in Major League Baseball (MLB), commemorating and honoring the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. To celebrate the day at MLB ballparks, all players, coaches, managers, and umpires wear Robinson’s uniform number, 42. April 15 was Opening Day in 1947, Robinson’s first season in the major leagues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2005, after his death, Robinson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush. The U.S. Mint created a bronze medal<\/a> as a replica of that award. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LESSON PLANS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Education Curriculum<\/a> | The National Baseball Hall of Fame <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Baseball Hall of Fame offers a variety of baseball themed lesson plans using baseball as a catalyst to teach math, social studies, science, and arts and character education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Educator Resources<\/a> | The Jackie Robinson Museum<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Jackie Robinson Museum offers a variety of resources including discussion questions and curriculum guides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n