id. Similar to the powerful words of his friend Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson moved and motivated everyone who heard him speak. Some of his famous quotes are "There's not an American in this country free until every one of us is free." “Negroes aren't seeking anything which is not good for the nation as well as ourselves. In order for America to be 100 per cent strong--economically, defensively, and morally--we cannot afford the waste of having second-and-third class citizens.” "Life is not a spectator sport. . .. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life." "I don't think that I or any other Negro, as an American citizen, should have to ask for anything that is rightfully his. We are demanding that we just be given the things that are rightfully ours and we're not looking for anything else." "I believe in the goodness of a free society. And I believe that society can remain good only as long as we are willing to fight for it -- and to fight against whatever imperfections may exist."# When Jackie spoke, America listened.To best sum up the miraculous effect of Jackie Robinson on the African-American and on the American society is truly impossible, it can not be summed up. It is much too monumental. But, the following poem by Ed Charles comes relatively close, He ripped at the sod along the base pathAs he ran in advance of a base.On his feet were your hopes and mineFor a victory for the black man's case.And the world is grateful for the legacyWhich he left for all humanity.Thanks, Jackie, wherever you are.You will always be our first superstar -Ed Charles#In 1972, Jackie Robinson died, but his legacy never will. Today, the effects of Jackie Robinson can be seen wherever one looks. On the covers of Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Rolling Stones, and even the Wall Street Journal, African-Americans are now seen in a much different light t...
