Branch Rickey Shows Perseverance
By: Madison Buher
Late at Night, For What is Right
When Branch Rickey first found out about the horrors of segregation, he did everything he could to help end it. He stayed up late at night and thought of ideas to help black people get their rights. This shows perseverance by Rickey standing up against segregation and for listening to what his heart is saying.
Hotel Argument
When Branch Rickey had a black baseball player at a hotel the manager would not allow the player to stay. Branch Rickey needed that player, so he threatened to go to another hotel (even though he knew no other hotel would take him). He showed perseverance by sticking to what he said, and standing up for the one black baseball player on his team.
During the time of segregation, places like bathrooms, restaurants, etc. were separated for “Colors” and “Whites”.
Mind Over Matter
“Mr. Rickey are you looking for a Negro who is afraid to fight back?”
“Robinson, I’m looking for a ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back.”
Mr. Rickey believes Robinson is the right ballplayer that is able to take on all the hate and comments from others.
Everyone Against Them
“We can’t fight our way through this, Robinson. We’ve got no army. There’s virtually nobody on our side.”
Mr. Rickey knows basically no one will like his idea of signing Robinson, but he is willing to take all that hatred.
Branch Rickey signing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers.