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It is telling that every team wouldn’t become integrated until 1959, a dozen seasons after Robinson debuted in 1947. Progress might have been achieved, but it was slow and halting. After his retirement Robinson dedicated much of his time toward the goals of civil rights. Though he had a business and broadcast career, Robinson was a constantly involved throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) including serving on the board of directors until 1967. He spoke to the Southern Christian Leadership Council in 1962 and was in attendance at the 1963 March on Washington.
Robinson was also active in mainstream politics as well, always supporting the candidate he felt best advanced the cause of civil rights. He supported Richard Nixon in 1960, but felt Kennedy during his presidency was a strong advocate for African-Americans. When the Republican Party nominated Barry Goldwater in 1964, he left the party entirely and supported the Democrats for the rest of his life. Sadly, it was only a short time. Due to complications from diabetes and heart disease, Robinson suffered heart attack in 1974 and died. He was 53 years old. [[File:untitled-87-small-lg.jpg|400px]]
Jackie Robinson is remembered for that day in April 1947, but for so much more as well. Not only was the first African-American to play Major League baseball, he did it under extraordinary circumstances. He experienced the full force of American racism both on and off the field. He stood up to that racism during his playing career and well beyond. Jackie Robinson’s fight against discrimination and inequality didn’t end with his Major League debut, it had barely started. His stellar career and continued activism afterward are what make him a hero.
