On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson, an African American man, took the field as a member of the major-league baseball team,the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson received death threats, was isolated and segregated and was the most scrutinized player in the United States at the time. Despite all of this, Robinson successfully broke the color barrier for baseball and other sports.

Robinson's heroic story is just one of the many stories of courage, determination, perseverance, dedication, and resolve about sports figures found among the holdings of the National Archives. Introduce your students to primary sources they can relate to and explore the 20th century through the athletes who changed history.

Webinar Fee: Complimentary for NCSS Members

Presenters:

Missy McNatt, Education Specialist, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC
Ang Reidell, Education Specialist, National Archives and Records Administration, Philadelphia, PA