Jackie Robinson was an American professional baseball player who was the first African American to play in the modern era of Major League Baseball (MLB).
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Jackie Robinson was the father of three children. David Robinson, Jackie Robinson Jr. and Sharon Robinson
Robinson’s eldest son, Jackie Robinson Jr., had emotional trouble during his childhood and entered special education at an early age.
He enlisted in the Army in search of a disciplined environment, served in the Vietnam War, and was wounded in action on November 19, 1965.
After his discharge, he struggled with drug problems. Robinson Jr. eventually completed the treatment program at Daytop Village in Seymour, Connecticut, and became a counsellor at the institution.
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On June 17, 1971, he was killed in an automobile accident at age 24. The experience with his son’s drug addiction turned Robinson Sr. into an avid anti-drug crusader toward the end of his life.
Jackie Robinson’s daughter went on to become a midwife, educator, MLB’s director of educational programming, and the author of two books about her father.
His younger son, David, is a coffee farmer and social activist in Tanzania. David Robinson has spent the last 40 years working to advance racial and human opportunity.
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