Civil Rights Game

Civil Rights Game

The Civil Rights Game is an annual event organized by Major League Baseball (MLB) to honor the history and impact of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The game serves as a platform to celebrate the contributions of individuals and organizations that have advanced the cause of civil rights, both within the realm of sports and in broader society.

History

The inaugural Civil Rights Game was held in 2007. Initially, the game was played during the preseason, but it was later moved to the regular season to increase its visibility and impact. The event was conceived as a way to commemorate the pivotal role that baseball has played in the civil rights movement, particularly through the breaking of the color barrier by Jackie Robinson in 1947.

Purpose

The Civil Rights Game aims to:

• Highlight the progress made in civil rights and the ongoing challenges that remain.
• Recognize the contributions of baseball players and other individuals who have been instrumental in advancing civil rights.
• Educate fans and the public about the history of the civil rights movement and its connection to baseball.

Events and Activities

The Civil Rights Game is accompanied by a series of events and activities designed to engage the community and promote dialogue on civil rights issues. These include:

• Civil Rights Roundtable Discussion: A forum featuring civil rights leaders, scholars, and athletes discussing contemporary civil rights issues.
• Youth Summit: An event aimed at educating young people about the history and significance of the civil rights movement.
• Beacon Awards: Awards presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to civil rights. Past recipients include Hank Aaron, Bill Cosby, and Harry Belafonte.

Notable Games

Some of the notable Civil Rights Games include:

• 2009: Held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, featuring the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox.
• 2011: Hosted by the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field, marking the first time the game was played in a city with deep historical ties to the civil rights movement.

Impact

The Civil Rights Game has been praised for its role in raising awareness about civil rights issues and celebrating the legacy of those who fought for equality. It has also been a platform for MLB to demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the sport.

Criticism

Despite its positive intentions, the Civil Rights Game has faced criticism for being more symbolic than substantive. Critics argue that MLB should take more concrete actions to address racial disparities within the sport, such as increasing opportunities for minority players and executives.

Conclusion

The Civil Rights Game remains an important event in the MLB calendar, serving as a reminder of the sport's historical and ongoing connection to the struggle for civil rights. It continues to inspire dialogue and action towards achieving greater equality and justice in society.

See Also

• Jackie Robinson Day
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
• Racial integration of Major League Baseball

References

• "Civil Rights Game." Major League Baseball, [1]
• "The History of the Civil Rights Game." ESPN, [2]