Jackie Robinson Exhibition

[Jackie Robinson (R) and Yogi Berra/ World Series- Yankees and Dodgers], 1955, v1987.1.4; Photography collection, v1987.1; Brooklyn Historical Society.

Jackie Robinson had an impressive and record-shattering baseball career. He was the first African-American player in the Major League; winner of the inaugural Rookie of the Year award in 1947 and Most Valuable Player award in 1949; and he led the Dodgers to their 1955 World Series victory. Robinson viewed his athletic career as an endeavor greater than baseball. He was an activist in the Civil Rights movement, leading fund-raising efforts for the NAACP and participating in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

Robinson understood the crucial role he played in the integration of America’s national pastime. But he also knew the journey toward full equality was not an easy one. “I cannot say I have made it,” Robinson said, “while our country drives full speed ahead to deeper rifts between men and women of varying colors.”

Tomorrow, Brooklyn Historical Society opens a new exhibition, “Until Everyone Has It Made: Jackie Robinson’s Legacy,” which celebrates Robinson’s role integrating professional baseball and his lifelong commitment to racial equity.

The photo of the week depicts Jackie Robinson sliding in to home base during the 1955 World Series against the New York Yankees. It was the only series the Dodgers won as a Brooklyn-based team.

Interested in seeing more photos from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery, which includes a selection of our images. Interested in seeing even more historic Brooklyn images? Visit our Brooklyn Visual Heritage website here. To search BHS’s entire collection of images, archives, maps, and special collections visit BHS’s Othmer Library Wed-Sat, 1:00-5:00 p.m. library@brooklynhistory.org