Political Quotes

“in July of 1944, 11 years before Rosa Parks became the mother of the civil rights movement, an African-American second lieutenant of the U.S. Navy was court-martialed on charges of insubordination for refusing to move to the back of a segregated military bus. Three years later, and 60 years ago yesterday, that second lieutenant was insubordinate to bigotry once again--this time by breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier. His name was Jackie Robinson. When Dodgers owner Branch Ricky brought Jackie Robinson to the Major Leagues, many asked: Why Jackie Robinson? After all, the Negro League was filled with talented players from whom to choose. Many were much younger than Jackie Robinson; some, perhaps, even better athletes. The answer, of course, was integrity, character. Branch Ricky knew that this trailblazing ballplayer would have to be both an athlete and a role model--a role model for African Americans and for all Americans--and no one was better suited to that great challenge than Jackie Robinson. When Jackie Robinson crossed the chalk lines at Ebbitt's Field that day, he carried the weight of a nation along with him. On one shoulder were the catcalls, obscene gestures, and even threats from fans, opposing players, and even some of his own teammates. But on the other shoulder were the dreams of Blacks, and all Americans, that our country could one day fulfill its destiny of equality in deeds and not just in words.”