Why this Jackie Robinson Day feels different than all the others

In journalism, it is said that there are no foolish questions. As a college newspaper reporter, I once questioned MLB legend Bill White about the legendary Jackie Robinson. I asked if Robinson was chosen to integrate baseball over more skilled Negro League players because he was kind. White’s response was firm: “Jackie wasn’t kind, he was tough!”

My inquiry reflected how civil rights history is typically presented in the US, often portraying Black heroes as kind and unoffensive against malicious white figures. This narrative is like a fairy tale where the good guys always triumph. However, the current conservative movement seeks to erase the valor of pioneering Black figures and the injustices they faced.

American history, particularly concerning racism and Black resistance, has been inadequately taught, presenting sanitized versions of harsh realities. The Trump administration aims to distort historical truths and censor uncomfortable facts. For instance, the National Park Service edited language on Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad to downplay its significance in the fight against slavery.

Robinson’s defiance against racism, like refusing to move to the back of a bus, exemplifies his toughness and determination. His actions were not about being nice but standing up for justice. The Jackie Robinson Museum in Lower Manhattan showcases his unwavering commitment to his cause, revealing a complex and resilient figure who defied societal expectations.

Today, as Major League Baseball commemorates Jackie Robinson Day, let us remember his strength both on and off the field. Robinson’s legacy serves as a reminder of the struggles against racism and segregation that necessitated his unwavering resolve.