I want everybody to understand
â
I want everybody to understand that
I am an American Negro first before
I am a member of any political party.
â
Meaning
This quote means racial identity and the experience tied to it shaped his public life more deeply than party affiliation ever could.
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 There's not an American in this country free until every one of us is free. â
This quote means freedom is incomplete for everyone until it exists for all. One person\'s oppression diminishes the whole nation.
â I had practiced with the team, and the first scheduled game was with the University of Missouri. They made it quite clear to the Army that they would not play a team with a black player on it. Instead of telling me the truth, the Army gave me leave to go home. â
This quote exposes the cruelty of segregation by showing how institutions hid discrimination instead of confronting it honestly. Prejudice was enforced through cowardice.