Blacks have had to learn to protect
â
Blacks have had to learn to protect themselves
by being cynical but not cynical enough to slam
the door on potential opportunities.
We go through life walking a tightrope
to prevent too much disillusionment.
â
Meaning
This quote means black Americans often had to protect themselves with skepticism while still remaining open to real opportunities. Survival required emotional balance.
About Author
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player and civil rights activist, famously breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. His quotes often reflect courage, determination, and equality. Robinson inspires athletes, activists, and leaders to challenge injustice, persevere against adversity, and make a lasting impact in sports and society.
Related Quotes
â Pop flies, in a sense, are just a diversion for a second baseman. Grounders are his stock trade. â
This quote means routine ground balls, not spectacular plays, are the real daily work of a second baseman. Mastery comes from ordinary duties.
â The old Dodgers were something special, but of my teammates overall, there was nobody like Pee Wee Reese for me. â
This quote means Pee Wee Reese stood out as an exceptional teammate whose character and support were especially meaningful. It is a tribute to loyalty.
â When I look back at what I had to go through in black baseball, I can only marvel at the many black players who stuck it out for years in the Jim Crow leagues because they had nowhere else to go. â
This quote honors the endurance of black players who remained in segregated baseball because they had no fair alternative. It recognizes resilience under injustice.