Hero Hall of Fame

Do you have any heroes who are sports players?

Can sports players be heroes of the First Amendment?

Let’s recall what the 1st Amendment says…

“Congress shall make no law …abridging the freedom

of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble…”

Let’s learn more about this hero of the First Amendment by looking at these pictures.

What can they tell us about him?

Let’s read about Jackie Robinson.

Do you know what America’s national sport is?

Baseball!

Jackie Robinson grew up with brothers who enjoyed playing sports. And Jackie, like his brothers, was very good at many sports.

When Jackie was in school, he played on the football, basketball, baseball, and track teams.

But most Americans remember Jackie as one of the greatest baseball players in history.

Even though his family was poor, Jackie went to college. He was the first person to play on four of the college’s sports teams!

After college, Jackie served a few years in the U.S. Army. He was an officer and helped to train other soldiers.

When Jackie lived, things were different in the United States. Some people did not treat other people fairly.

For example, some people did not treat African-Americans, like Jackie, equally.

African-Americans could not work at any job they wanted. They could not live or eat or shop at any place they wanted.

Some people wanted African-Americans to keep to themselves in separate communities. Black citizens did not have the same freedoms as everyone else.

There were even separate baseball teams for African-American players.

But Jackie helped to stop this unfair treatment.He was a brave man. And he proved that all sports players could play together.

Jackie Robinson became the first black player of major league baseball. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Some people came to the ball games and called him names. But he had courage. He proved that any one should have a chance at any job they wanted.

Jackie traveled around the United States asking everyone to accept each other. He spoke to children and adults about treating each other fairly.

President Reagan gave him the Medal of Freedom.

Jackie had done much to help win freedom and rights for himself and for others.

Jackie once said, “I do not care if you like me or don’t like me. I care that you respect me.”

What words would you describe Jackie Robinson as a hero?

What parts of the 1st Amendment did Jackie Robinson

use to bring change for others?

“Congress shall make no law …abridging the freedom of speech, or

of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble…”