The Jackie Robinson Museum is inspiring the next generation of social justice activists

By Randi Richardson and Claretta Bellamy, NBC News

Titled “Speak out, stand up” a wall display in the museum encourages people to commit to social justice initiatives.

The new Jackie Robinson Museum is encouraging the next generation of social justice activists. 

The museum, which had its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, features memorabilia from the baseball great and highlights his work and activism in the Black community.

One prominent wall display in the museum is titled “Speak out, stand up,” which encourages people to commit to a social justice initiative they care about, while holding them accountable,  said Della Britton, president and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind the creation of the museum.

“It’s for groups to come in and take on an issue, whether it’s LGBTQ, whether it’s global warming and then — it’s actually also a sort of a museum strategy to get people to stay involved, which is having a competition,” Britton said of the display which serves as part of the museum’s scheduled programming.

The museum also highlights major efforts Robinson implemented to help the Black community throughout his life. As reflected in the museum exhibits, Robinson started his own bank after learning that certain banks were denying mortgage loans to Black people. He also started a housing development corporation and built 200 units throughout New York City. Britton said a lot of people aren’t aware of all Robinson’s contributions.

Finish the article to learn more about the newly opened museum.

This new museum teaches about Black history, just like our online exhibits. Jackie was also honored with the biopic 42 several years ago.

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