Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson Biography-HyperLink to video

Jackie Robinson was a great athlete who used his natural talent to break down barriers to advocate for social reform. He excelled most in baseball and became the first African American to play major league baseball. From 1942 to 1944, Robinson served as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He never saw combat, however; Robinson was arrested and court-martialed during boot camp after he refused to move to the back of a segregated bus during training. He was later acquitted of the charges and received an honorable discharge. His courage and moral objection to segregation were precursors to the impact Robinson would have in major league baseball. Robinson also became a vocal champion for African-American athletes, civil rights, and other social and political causes. In July 1949, he testified on discrimination before the House Un-American Activities Committee, and organization that arose during the time of the col war. 
Jackie Robinson before HUAC -HyperLink to video