Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was an idol to many African Americans because he broke the color barrier in Pro Baseball worked for the Civil Rights Movement. Everyone has a role model or someone they look up to; my idol is my father. Steve John Steichen is the best dad ever; he is always there to help and sets a strong example for kids of all ages. My dad wakes up with me at 6:00 A.M. and leaves for work at the same time as I go to school and comes home at 5:30 every day just in time for a family meal. Although he is busy with his job, he always has time to help me with homework or play catch in the backyard. Best of all he is always emitting positive energy at home. He is a very inspirational man with dedication to family and strong work ethic; he has shown me how hard work will always pay off. I have been manipulated by him to work on baseball all off season and this has made me so much better at the game. I love my Dad. He motivates me to go the extra mile for extra credit in school, and has taught me to take opportunities as they are presented. When I am down because something bad has happened or my grades are not up to par, he always tells me to “never quit because no one likes a quitter”. I admire my father and look up to him as a best friend and a teacher because he knows how to be a successful man. Before the Civil Rights Movement African Americans were looked down upon by society. In the novel A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, African Americans are mistreated and in the story a man named Jefferson is convicted of murder and sentenced to death, but really is innocent. Jackie Robinson throughout his whole life was perceived just like African Americans are in the novel. The Sheriff’s deputy Paul also represented hope to Jefferson and Grant just as Jackie did for all African Americans during his time period. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia ( “Jackie Robinson” ). Jackie’s father abandoned him and his family when he was