Rachel Robinson

Rachel Robinson 1997

Rachel Robinson (born July 19, 1922) is an American nurse, educator, and activist. She is best known for her work in advancing the legacy of her late husband, Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Rachel Robinson has made significant contributions to the fields of nursing, education, and civil rights.

Early Life and Education

Rachel Robinson was born Rachel Annetta Isum in Los Angeles, California. She attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she met Jackie Robinson. Rachel graduated from UCLA with a degree in nursing in 1945.

Career

After graduating from UCLA, Rachel Robinson worked as a nurse and later as an educator. She earned a master's degree in psychiatric nursing from New York University (NYU). Rachel served as an assistant professor at the Yale School of Nursing and later became the Director of Nursing at the Connecticut Mental Health Center.

Activism and Legacy

Rachel Robinson has been a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. After Jackie Robinson's death in 1972, she founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and leadership training to minority students. The foundation has awarded over 1,000 scholarships since its inception.

Rachel has also been involved in various other initiatives to promote racial equality and social justice. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award from Major League Baseball.

Personal Life

Rachel and Jackie Robinson were married on February 10, 1946. They had three children: Jackie Robinson Jr., Sharon Robinson, and David Robinson. Rachel has continued to preserve and promote her husband's legacy through various projects and initiatives.

Honors and Awards

Rachel Robinson has received several accolades for her contributions to nursing, education, and civil rights. Some of these include:

• Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award
• NAACP Image Award
• Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women

See Also

• Jackie Robinson
• Jackie Robinson Foundation
• Civil rights movement
• Major League Baseball
• University of California, Los Angeles
• New York University
• Yale School of Nursing