Jackie Robinson and Barack Obama

[mtnsnake]

The first one helped to open the door for children of color to be inspired to excel in sports, and the other just opened the door wider than it's ever been for children of color (and all children, for that matter) to be inspired to excel in an intellectual manner.

I don't know of a more courageous man from the world of sports than Jackie Robinson. What he did way back in 1947 is nothing short of phenomenal. Not only did he break the racial barrier in baseball, but he did it with such dignity, class, determination....and success. Goodness only knows how many children of color he inspired to go on and become future successes in sports...and in other areas, too.

Then there is Barack Obama. Nobody can begin to imagine just how many children of color he is going to inspire from now until eternity, only in such an intellectual manner. What a role model he is going to be for any child....black, white, or in between...who wishes to be smart, just like him. In the years to come, teachers everywhere are going to love Obama for this.

Our country became a lot better after what Jackie Robinson did, and it's going to get even better after what Barack Obama just did.

Of course there are many other people of color that deserve high recognition as role models, but I just felt like remembering Jackie Robinson tonight because it's such a similar role he played in the world of sports as to what Obama just accomplished now. Now Barack just has to go on to be the incredible success in HIS field that Jackie Robinson was in his, and I'm sure he will.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Jackie had it a whole lot tougher: in the army, baseball, buying a house, hotels for roadgames, etc.

But I'm told he voted for Nixon over JFK.

[Gemini Cat]

2. Jackie Robinson was/is my hero

Martin L King once said "if there hadn't been a Jackie there would not have been a Martin." I don't know if that's the exact quote, but it's close enough.
Jackie Robinson opened the colour barrier door. He and other players like Larry Doby, Satchel Paige, Willie Mays and so many others, made things easier for everyone (and me) by opening those doors and making all things possible.
I wish he were here to see President Obama.

[mtnsnake]

3. I wish he were here to see it, too

Awesome post, Confound W