The http://www.jackierobinson.org/Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) will commemorate the one hundredth birthday of its namesake with a year-long schedule of events in 2019 that will benefit the organization’s scholarship and education programs as well as the future Jackie Robinson Museum.
As announced today by JRF President Della Britton Baeza, the Foundation will host the year-long Jackie Robinson Centennial Celebration beginning with an exclusive photograph exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York that opens January 31st, Robinson’s birthdate. Various other events will take place in several cities throughout the year, including a speakers’ series, a jazz concert, and a traveling artifact exhibit, all designed to tease elements of the Jackie Robinson Museum that will open in New York City in December 2019.
“It has been our family’s dream to have a physical space where my father’s legacy and the values and ideals by which he lived could inspire others. A year of specially-designed, celebratory events is a terrific way to shepherd in that dream and lead up to the opening of the Jackie Robinson Museum,” said Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson and Vice Chair of the Jackie Robinson Foundation board of directors. “We are excited to shine a light on my father’s life, while raising funds to continue to positively impact the lives of others.”
Major League Baseball has signed on as a sponsor of the Jackie Robinson Centennial Celebration and the annual Jackie Robinson Day festivities that will take place on April 15, 2019, in ballparks across the country will be included on the roster of Centennial Celebration events next year.
“The contributions of Jackie and Rachel Robinson helped propel our country through challenging times in the past and, through dynamic programming at the Jackie Robinson Museum, the Robinson legacy will continue to promote brotherhood and first-class citizenship for all,” said Baeza. “The Jackie Robinson Centennial Celebration will tout themes of teamwork and fair play as we usher in the opening of the Jackie Robinson Museum in 2019.”
A special Jackie Robinson Centennial Celebration logo has been designed by Bosack & Company and will be featured on an exclusive line of headwear by New Era Cap, and incorporated into JRF’s social media channels and collateral materials throughout the centennial campaign.