Today in 1947: Jackie Roosevelt Robinson becomes the first African American to play in a major league baseball game in the 20th century. His stepping onto Ebbets Field in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform broke the “color line” – the segregation of professional teams.
The International League in 1887 began a wave of League-wide black exclusion, and it had been complete since 1899, when Bill Galloway became the last African-American player in white organized ball.
Though hitless in three at-bats, Robinson started at first base, and the Dodgers beat the Boston Braves that day, 5-3.
It’s today’s Action Calendar!
Tomorrow night, join Grammy-nominated artist Stephen Wade on a journey into musical traditions across the American South at 6:30 pm at the Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 North Carroll Street. For more info on Wade’s presentation, titled The Beautiful Music All Around Us, call 608-264-6555 or visit wisconsinhistoricalmuseum.org.
This coming weekend, Madison’s Freewheel Community Bike Shop will host a weekend workshop on DIY bicycle cart construction. Using an easy design, low-cost parts, and simple skills and tools, participants will share basic skills and perhaps BUILD a cart for themselves! There is a sliding scale cost. Pre-register before April 18th. This will be at 1804 South Park Street. The public is welcome to view each day’s events for free. To register or get more info, email flyingsparrows@riseup.net.