In 2021, I sent the email below to the community in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. Fast forward to 2026, and CH-CH will have its first Jackie Robinson Day on campus. You’re probably wondering what that means. This day is a celebration and reminder of how we at CH-CH can embody the same life of purpose that Jackie Robinson did. As Jackie is quoted as saying, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." Our truest legacy is the impact we have on the spaces around us, and one where we spend much of our time is here at CH-CH.
On April 15, please join the CH-CH community in wearing your Dodgers gear or something blue in honor of my birthday twin, number 42, Jackie Robinson.
April 15, 1947: Jackie Robinson made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers on this date, becoming the first African American in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Prior to this date, team owners had formed a gentleman‘s agreement that no Black players would be allowed on rosters. Though there were some Latino players whose skin was light enough to allow them to pass, the game was entirely white, effectively denying opportunities to hundreds of talented players. These players, of course, found a home in what were known as the Negro Leagues, but many were denied an opportunity to showcase their talent in their prime.
Jackie’s story is inspirational not because he was exceptional, but because despite the hate surrounding him, Jackie never let it affect the spirit and love of the game he brought to the field every time he played. The barriers he broke weren’t due to a general manager, Branch Rickey, who saw the evils of racism and wanted to change the system. Rather, it was because Rickey wanted to win and felt that Jackie was an extraordinary player who would give the Dodgers an advantage. Baseball wasn’t fully integrated until 1959, when the Red Sox finally promoted Pumpsie Green. By waiting so long, and falling victim to the racism of owner Tom Yawkey (among others), Boston missed out on signing Willie Mays, and continued their seemingly cursed existence for decades.
Jackie taught me how to fight wrongs and evils through doing what you love, which is something I try to do daily. For the Dodgers, the goal was to win, and as we are learning, the only way to win is together. I hope today you celebrate the legacy of Jackie Robinson. Play Ball!
