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A Black and White World pp.8-9
People in the United States have struggled with race relations for hundreds of years. After the Civil War, African Americans were still treated badly and they were segregated from white people. The period of time when segregation was legal in the United States is referred to as the "Jim Crow" era. The author’s father helped break down segregation in the United States. -
Signs of Hope pp.10-13
After the Civil War, segregation was part of everyday life almost everywhere. Even though blacks lived in only certain parts of Pasadena, Mallie and her family ignored the racial boundaries and moved to an all-white neighborhood. As a teenager, Jackie avoided trouble because of the values his mother taught him, because of his love of sports, and because of the influence of his brothers. The 1930s saw the rise of African American sports heroes. -
A Determined Pair pp.18-21
Jackie Robinson attended Pasadena Junior College (PJC) where he continued to build his sports legacy.
He was named the best all-around athlete on the West Coast. The most significant thing to happen to Jackie Robinson that year was meeting Rachel Annetta Isum. Jackie proposed to Rachel. Soon after, Jackie Robinson was drafted into the United States Army. Jackie Robinson was in the army for three years, from 1942 to 1945 yet he continued to experience segregation. -
1945: A Changing World pp.22-27
After the army, Jackie Robinson worked for a year as a coach at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas. He then played baseball in the Negro Leagues for one season. That was the only league open to an African-American ballplayer at the time. Branch Rickey wanted to help break baseball's color line. He deeply believed in equality and thought it was unfair to keep black ballplayers out of the major leagues. Rickey wanted to build the strongest team that would win games and excite the fans. -
Why My Father? pp.28-29
Rickey knew all about Jackie Robinson's extraordinary athletic ability and that he'd successfully played on integrated teams in college. Rickey offered Jackie Robinson a terrific opportunity and tremendous responsibility to be the first African American to play in major league baseball. For the sake of racial equality, Jackie Robinson agreed to adopt a nonviolent approach to change in order to play MLB. Branch Rickey knew he'd chosen the right man. -
Play Ball! pp.30-49
Some players and fans threatened Jackie, but he showed them he deserved to be playing in the Major Leagues. Fans continued to make threats toward him. But eventually, the other players became friends with him and stood up for them. In addition to Jackie Robinson’s success other factors contributed such as his wife Rachael, fans, teammates, sportswriters, Pee Wee Reese, and others. Jackie Robinson's entrance into Major League Baseball opened up this world for other black players. -
A Civil Rights Champion pp.50-57
Jackie Robinson announced his retirement from baseball in 1957. Jackie became vice president of personnel for Chock Full O'Nuts. Jackie now had time to give motivational speeches, write newspaper columns, raise money for civil rights organizations, join protest marches, speak to youth groups, play golf, and spend time with his family. -
A Civil Rights Champion pp. 50-57 contd.
Jackie was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jackie was awarded the highest honors from civil and human rights organizations, religious groups, and the United States government. His accomplishments on and off the field have been widely recognized. -
Jackie Robinson's Legacy pp.58-59
Jackie Robinson died on October 24, 1972 of a heart attack. Jackie spent his entire life fighting for equality. He won some battles and lost others. He made some mistakes, but he also inspired millions. -
Introduction pp.6-7
Jackie Robinson’s daughter Sharon, the author of the book, goes to classrooms to teach children about baseball, values, and books. The author learned a lot from her dad and has learned a lot about him over the years. The author wrote Promises to Keep because she wanted to tell about her father’s life and his impact on American history. -
Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America by Sharon Robinson
