Ken Burns: Jackie Robinson

Jack Roosevelt Robinson rose from humble origins to break the color barrier in baseball, becoming one of the most beloved men in America. His tremendous baseball skill, strength of character and insistence on equality made him the perfect choice for Branch Rickey, manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, in his search for a black player with the talent and fortitude to integrate Major League Baseball.

In 1949, Robinson led the Dodgers to the World Series for the second time in three seasons and won the Most Valuable Player award. He also began to speak out, arguing calls with umpires and challenging opposing players. After baseball, he found new ways to use his fame to fight discrimination, writing newspaper columns and working towards economic empowerment for blacks.