During a time of social unrest in the United States, Dodgers star Mookie Betts narrates “4 Us 2 Remember” a short film to celebrate Robinson’s life and legacy.
By: Angela Redding
Los Angeles, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 8/28/2020 “The events of recent days, weeks and months serve as a stark and unfortunate reminder that Jackie Robinson’s fight for racial equality in our society endures,” Clark said. “As we recognize his legacy today, players of all races and backgrounds join together to continue the work of Jackie and all of the civil rights leaders who suffered and sacrificed before and after him so that all of our children can one day grow up in a society that offers genuine equality — free of fear, free of discrimination and free to pursue their dreams,” MLB Players Association executive director, Tony Clark
Friday, August 28th was Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball. All players in the league wore the number 42 on their jersey in honor of the legendary figure. Coaches and executives also expressed their gratitude for the Brooklyn Dodgers legend and civil rights icon. Traditionally, the event is held on April 15th in Major League Baseball to honor and commemorate the day Robinson made his major league debut.
Earlier this year, the Dodgers celebrated the anniversary of Robinson’s MLB debut with a Zoom event featuring Mookie Betts discussing Robinson’s legacy and continued impact on today’s game.
This year’s celebration and honor of Robinson comes after a one to two-day protest and the cancellation of games by multiple sports teams due to the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Robinson battled discrimination throughout his life. He was not only a Brooklyn Dodger but he was also a civil rights activist who fought for the end of segregation here in the United States of America.
“There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free, ”Jackie Robinson, player for the Brooklyn Dodgers and civil rights activist.
Before the Rangers and Dodgers game Friday night, the players and coaches collaborated on a video honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson that was shown prior to the game on the Globe Life Field video boards.
Jackie Robinson Day Jersey Auction
LADF will also hold a special Jackie Robinson Day Jersey Auction of the Dodgers’ game-used, authenticated jerseys beginning September 10th with proceeds benefitting the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), founded by Bryan Stevenson, a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer, social justice activist and best-selling author of Just Mercy.
LADF is matching funds of the Posy Project, a fund created in honor of Posy Lombard, civil rights activist, and mother of Dodger Coach George Lombard.
Dodgers star Mookie Betts narrates “4 Us 2 Remember”
video courtesy: @MLB
“4 Us 2 Remember” was directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Randy Wilkins who partnered with MLB to tell the story, relying on Jackie’s own words from his biography, “I Never Had It Made,” along with insights from Jackie’s daughter, Sharon. Robinson’s words still ring true today for everyone who stands against injustice.
