Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America

Why did Sharon write a biography of her father for young people? What is her main goal, and how does she achieve it? Aside from the book, how does Sharon spread Jackie’s message?

Several movies have been made about Jackie. In addition to The Jackie Robinson Story is 42 and Soul of the Game. Watch one of these films and compare their representations of MLB, the Negro Leagues, and Jackie to those in this book.

Sharon doesn’t idolize Jackie. She admits that he made reckless choices as a young person, and she showcases his vulnerabilities by including his diabetes diagnosis. However, Sharon omits other flaws of his. Why did she make this choice? How does it relate to the intended audience, her link to MLB, and/or her relationship with Jackie?

Unpack the relationship between Pee Wee Reese and Jackie. How did Reese turn himself into Jackie’s ally? What did he do to quiet the racist fans and emphasize his support?

Sharon writes, “[B]aseball was […] America’s pastime. It seemed to represent all that was […] good about America; Democracy. Teamwork. Fair play. Excellence. It also represented America at its worst: Divided. Discriminatory. Unjust” (23). How does baseball represent democracy? How does it symbolize division and injustice?

The book provides numerous examples of ways to combat racism. How did Jackie reply to racism when he was in the Army? How did he respond to it as a Dodger? How did other people discussed in the book combat racism? What do the diverse reactions reveal about activism?

How did Rickey’s choice to sign Jackie link activism and capitalism? How did Rickey and the Dodgers profit from Jackie? How did Jackie profit from the Dodgers?

Listen to Count Basie’s version of the popular song “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” How does it represent the excitement around Jackie? How does it allude to the Negro Leagues and race?