Jackie Roosevelt Robinson: Program From 1956 Signed by Robinson who was Awarded the Highest Achievement by the NAACP JSA Authenticated (1919-1972) Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Jackie Robinson's cultural impact on the 20th Century is well documented not only as an athlete having been inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962, but as an icon for African Americans and Civil Rights advocates during an extraordinarily difficult and racially polarized America.
Offered is without question a unique, one-of-a-kind and historic Jackie Robinson signed piece. In 1956 at the Hotel Roosevelt in NYC, Jackie Roosevelt Robinson was honored for advancing the cause of African Americans by being awarded the highest achievement by the NAACP, The Spingarn Medal, named after the founder of the organization. Ed Sullivan hosted, who has signed the program as well as Floyd Patterson who presented. Roy Wilkins, has also signed, a significant Civil Rights leader at the time. All three of those signatures have also been authenticated and included in the LOA. Excellent condition save for a tack hole at top. Otherwise the signatures are bold and legible. The brochure is 9 x 6" and actually lists all the prior recipients of The Spingarn Medal from 1915-1955 and their accomplishments. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000