Today marks the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. He was a fine athlete, a strong man of character, and extremely resilient in the face of adversity. His feat was no small accomplishment back then, and it paved the way for larger changes in our society. Back then, baseball was THE sport. Football was just getting started, hockey was very small, and basketball was hardly on the map. Baseball was the national pastime, and everyone paid special attention to what was happening on the field.
To commemorate the event today, major league players all wore #42 - Robinson's retired number.
This feat helped us move one step closer to the First Principle of Equality (racial) - which is a fundamental premise of American society (often observed more in the breach than in reality) - i.e., that "all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights." That a black man could be superstar on the largest stage knocked down many psychological and other barriers.
I am proud to note that a alum from my law school - the University of Michigan - played an indispensable role in Robinson's milestone. Branch Rickey, a 1911 graduate, signed Robinson's contract - and pushed for it tirelessly. Hats off to both men.
To learn more about our First Principles, visit Patriot Week and America's Survival Guide.
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