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GOOD BYE JACKIE (1919-1972 - Jack Roosevelt Robinson)

THOUGHTS OF JACK

He like the mythical great Greek Gods had his Achilles heel through no fault of his own; he had to bear the burden of all black men. When he ran, he had to run for all blacks, thus for all humanity; when he hit the ball, he caught for all the dispossessed.

He played the game for all the downtrodden; he went to bat for all the neglected and his home runs were for all mankind, his victories were for all humanity.

Under the greatest pressure, he assumed responsibility with dignity and grace and managed to maintain the ultimate manhood so impossibly difficult for the black man he was; yet he made his blackness, his manhood, his integrity, his commitment and dedication, symbols of which we can all be proud - we who knew him loved him and those who were deprived of personal contact are enriched by the legacy he left: enough of himself - a heritage to all, old, young, rich, poor, black, brown, yellow, white; Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jew - for he was a man of the world - a gift to the people - a hope to the "least of these," a blessing to the human race.

We had too little time with him and he with us - but we had a time of which few generations can boars: a giant walked, not just among us, but with us, every step of his time - now we must stand tall and proud and walk his walk and talk his talk.

We all carry some infirmity in us - Jack carried and wore his like a badge of honor, proudly, eagerly, gracefully, stylishly, lovingly and with a great dignity. He represented the ultimate in courage - gentle, a fighter yet without bitterness, with kindness, understanding, tenderness, concern, thoughtfulness and a sense of humor one was privileged to share and at times be the subject, but never the brunt, of cruelty, of which he was incapable.

The world is far better for his presence, our lives greatly enriched through his friendship, he is deeply embedded in our hearts and indelibly etched in our minds.

Even when that great heart and the body which housed it became weakened and ravaged with pain, and the agony of seeing some dreams shattered, he "kept on keeping on" - so must we to whom he's passed the challenge, the flame of perseverence, of courage and faith with which he imbued us all.

Marian B. Logan

[[image - black and white photograph of crowds at funeral for Jackie Robinson]]