Thank You, Jackie Robinson

Today is the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s breaking the race barrier in major league baseball in the United States. Several players will wear Robinson’s #42 in tribute to him during today’s games. It is difficult to imagine the stress Robinson endured as he changed the face of major league baseball and paved the way for Blacks and other minorities. Today’s generations of Blacks were not born in segregation and Black history is not taught or shared to the extent it should. Perhaps if Black parents made sure their children were taught Black history, folks like Don Imus would not feel as though they had permission to disrespect Black women as he did. That’s another subject but you get my drift. As a child, and the only child for almost eight years, my Dad’s sports vocation and hobby forced me to learn about Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, Joe Black and others. At the time I didn’t view my exposure to baseball as a lesson; I was just hanging out with my Dad. Of course my parents shielded me from discrimination as much as they could but that didn’t change the reality of life for Blacks and women during that time. I appreciate Jackie Robinson so much more as an adult. I now fully understand the impact of his sacrifice on my life and the lives of folks who are not Black. Can you imagine baseball history without Roberto Clemente, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds or Dontrelle Willis? The courage, conviction and persistence in his role as a ball player changed the world. Jackie Robinson was actually bigger than baseball, we all benefited because of him and we are all indebted to him.

Related Post: http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ny-sppow155172677apr15,0,7810423.column?coll=ny-sports-columnists

ROOTS 30th Anniversary

Moments in Black History: March 22

http://www.momentsinblackhistory.com/ History was made on this day March 22 1846 First Black poetry anthology, Les Cenellies, appears in print. 1873 Slavery is abolished in Puerto Rico. Hastened by slaves, "cimarrones," who had escaped into the mountains, increasing the number of slave conspiracies and political radicalism to end forced labor. 1956 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is found guilty of violating the boycott statute and is sentenced to pay a fine of $500 or serve 386 days of hard labor. His conviction is appealed.

Ultimate Wealth Builder

A.G. Gaston: Rough Road to Riches

By James C. Johnson As the civil rights movement swept through the South during the late 1950s, certain moments captured the bravery of those on the front lines. When Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, for marching without a permit, march organizers knew his immediate release was crucial to keep the struggle alive. The call for help went out to Arthur George Gatson, the city's most prominent black entrepreneur, who posted the $5,000 bail for King's release. [MORE]

A. G. Gaston's 10 rules for success

1. Save a part of all you earn. Pay yourself first. Take it off the top and bank it. You'll be surprised how fast the money builds up. If you have two or three thousand dollars in the bank, sooner or later somebody will come along and show you how to double it. Money doesn�t spoil. Keep it.

2. Establish a reputation at a bank or savings and loan association. Save at an established institution and borrow there. Stay away from loan sharks.

3. Take no chances with your money. Play the safe number, the good one. A man can't afford to lose has no business gambling.

4. Never borrow anything that, if forced to it, you can't pay back.

5. Don't get bigheaded with the little fellows. That's where the money is. If you stick with the little fellows, give them your devotion, they'll make you big.

6. Don't have so much pride. Wear the same suit for a year or two. It doesn't make any difference what kind of suit the pocket is in if there is money in the pocket.

7. Find a need and fill it. Successful businesses are founded on the needs of the people. Once in business, keep good books. Also, hire the best people you can find.

8. Stay in your own class. Never run around with people you can't compete with.

9. Once you get money or a reputation for having money, people will give you money.

10. Once you reach a certain bracket, it is very difficult not to make more money.