Exploring Jackie Robinson’s Hobbies and Interests: Beyond the Baseball Field
Jackie Robinson is best remembered for his tremendous success on the baseball field and for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. However, there was much more to his life than baseball. Robinson was a man of many talents and interests, ranging from politics to music. In this article, we’ll explore Jackie Robinson’s hobbies and interests beyond the baseball field.
Robinson’s Musical Interests
Jackie Robinson was a talented musician and enjoyed playing several different instruments. He was particularly skilled at playing the piano and often performed at events and parties. Robinson also had a love for jazz music and frequently attended concerts and clubs. In fact, he even appeared on a jazz album called “Jackie Robinson Plays Ballads and Blues” in 1957.
Robinson’s Love for Politics
Jackie Robinson was a staunch believer in political activism and was a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. He was close friends with several prominent civil rights activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Robinson even considered running for political office as a way to continue his advocacy work. In 1964, he unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the New York State Assembly.
Robinson’s Business Ventures
Jackie Robinson was an ambitious businessman and had several successful ventures outside of baseball. In 1955, he became the vice president of a black-owned bank in Harlem called Freedom National Bank. Robinson also started his own construction company and was the first black executive vice president of the Chock full o’Nuts coffee company. He later went on to become an executive for the NAACP.
Jackie Robinson’s Legacy
While Jackie Robinson’s legacy is undoubtedly tied to breaking the color barrier in baseball, his impact on American society goes far beyond the sport. Robinson’s dedication to political activism, music, and business helped pave the way for future generations of black Americans to achieve success in a variety of industries. Robinson’s legacy will forever be remembered and celebrated as an important figure in American history.
In conclusion, Jackie Robinson was much more than just a baseball player. Robinson was a man of many talents and interests who used his platform to advocate for civil rights and promote social change. His love for music, politics, and business are just a few examples of the many ways in which he left his mark on American society. Robinson’s legacy continues to inspire and influence people of all ages and backgrounds today.
