During a time when the game of baseball lacked diversity, America’s beloved sport was on the brink of a major change when black sport’s journalist protested the league’s failure to integrate. In response, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ owner, Branch Rickey, stepped up and decided to scout a black player from the Negro League.

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson tore down the color barrier and became the first black baseball player to play in the Major League arena. His talent, education, and ability to withstand racial issues that were sure to come, made him the ideal candidate.

Despite a host of naysayers, Jackie would lead the Brooklyn Dodgers to their only World Series and was named Rookie of the Year. His legacy remains

In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Hasan Jeffries of Ohio State University, we celebrate an icon that broke barriers on and off the field.

Black History in Two Minutes (or so) is a 4x Webby Award winning series.

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Archival Materials Courtesy of:

• Alamy Images

• Getty Images

• Shutterstock

• U.S. Army

Executive Producers:

• Robert F. Smith

• Henry Louis Gates Jr.

• Dyllan McGee

• Deon Taylor

Produced by:

• William Ventura

• Romilla Karnick

Music By:

• Oovra Music

Be Woke presents is brought to you by Robert F. Smith and Deon Taylor.

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