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Jack Robinson in 1950s New Orleans

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Published in A Sojourn In Paradise: Jack Robinson In 1950s New Orleans

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Breaking Barriers in the Big Easy

In the heart of the racially charged Deep South, a courageous baseball player named Jack Robinson emerged as a symbol of hope and defiance. His arrival in New Orleans in the 1950s marked a turning point in the city's struggle for racial equality.

A Sojourn in Paradise: Jack Robinson in 1950s New Orleans

by Howard Philips Smith

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	64381 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

Robinson, who had broken baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, found himself at the center of a firestorm of prejudice and hostility when he joined the New Orleans Pelicans of the Minor Leagues in 1950.

Facing Down Jim Crow

New Orleans was a city steeped in the traditions of Jim Crow segregation. Black people were denied basic rights and subjected to humiliating treatment in every aspect of their lives.

Robinson refused to be cowed by the city's racist customs. He challenged segregation at every turn, from refusing to sit in the back of buses to demanding equal access to hotels and restaurants.

His courage inspired other African Americans to stand up for their rights. In 1954, a group of Black students known as the "New Orleans Nine" staged a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter, sparking a wave of protests that culminated in the desegregation of public facilities in the city.

The Battle for the Dugout

On the baseball field, Robinson faced a different kind of battle. The Pelicans' white teammates initially resisted playing with him, but Robinson's determination and leadership gradually won them over.

However, the team's opponents were often less welcoming. Robinson was subjected to racial slurs, death threats, and even physical violence from fans and players alike.

Despite the adversity, Robinson persevered. He led the Pelicans to a Minor League championship in 1951 and helped pave the way for other African American players to break into the professional ranks.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Jack Robinson's time in New Orleans was a transformative experience for both the city and the nation. His unwavering courage and determination shattered racial barriers and inspired a generation of civil rights activists.

Robinson's legacy continues to resonate today. His story is a reminder of the power of one person to make a difference in the fight for equality and justice.

Meet the Author

This incredible story is brought to life by renowned author and historian David Maraniss.

Maraniss, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, has spent years researching and writing about Robinson's life and impact on American society.

His book, "Jack Robinson in 1950s New Orleans: A City on the Brink," is a masterfully crafted account of Robinson's courageous journey in the Deep South.