In addition to enjoying a Hall-of-Fame career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson will forever be remembered for courageously breaking the color barrier and paving the way for complete inclusion in Major League Baseball.
In recognition of what would’ve been his 100th birthday on Jan. 31, Robinson will be honored with a jazz concert at UCLA’s Royce Hall the following week.
The two-hour event on Tuesday, Feb. 5, will consist of musical performances and on-stage tributes of Robinson. Among the many guest speakers include none other than Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Also expected to attend the gathering are two people that were very close to Robinson: his wife, Rachel, and daughter, Sharon.
Performing acts include 10-time Grammy Award winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, nine-time Grammy nominee Dave Koz and former MLB player-turned guitarist Bernie Williams — a four-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees.
Net proceeds from the event will be split between Robinson’s estate and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.roycehall.org/calendar/details/1230.
Throughout his post-playing days, Robinson would often host jazz concerts of his own to raise money for worthwhile causes. That he’s being honored in a similar fashion is a fitting way to recognize a major milestone.
Robinson will further be commemorated later this December with the opening of the Jackie Robinson museum in New York. United States congress members have also floated around the possibility of Robinson being featured on a coin set for release in 2022. UCLA previously recognized Robinson by installing a statue at the Rose Bowl.
