Jackie Robinson, 1947, The Huffington Post
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Jackie Robinson was a second baseman who became the first African-American to play American Major League baseball. In the 1940s, blacks and whites were segregated in most realms of life, including athletics. Robinson’s talent led general manager Branch Rickey to offer him a spot on the Brooklyn Dodgers. The baseball player broke the color barrier in 1947. He faced numerous threats and taunts, but his peaceful and resolute response inspired African-Americans around the country to reject the idea of “separate but equal” and embrace integration. Robinson had an enduring impact, successfully desegregating baseball and paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement.
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