Jackie Robinson and the Legacy of Racism in Pasadena

Jackie Robinson was a stellar athlete, a change agent, a civil rights silent/present leader, and a Pasadena resident. Despite his gifts and talent, the city’s leaders and built environment long denied the Robinson family and other families of color access, equity, and respect. Fast forward past the Civil Rights movement and an outstanding MLB career, the city sought to jump on the Robinson bandwagon to no avail. The deep racism embedded in Pasadena city politics and culture kept Jackie Robinson away and gave him the foundation to deny the city’s requests to honor his legacy.

Courtesy of the LA Times

Now, in 2009 the city still has not gotten the message and is in a heated debate over the (re)naming of a Pasadena Park situated right next to the infamous Rose Bowl. Read more here