Dallas Smith & Micah Reis
Ali and Robinson: Civil War Advocates
Muhammad Ali & Jackie Robinson
MLK Jr. (Left) & Jackie Robinson (Right)
Muhammad Ali showing an article on the fight
against racial discrimination
Ali & The Civil Right
Movements
Muhammad Ali continued to be not only a fighter in the ring
but a fighter for civil rights as well. So, during the civil rights
movement Ali found himself defending his new name and
battling issues of race and class. He became a known icon in
the struggle for civil rights.
Ali’s support
The racial injustices of
segregation, and the bigotry and
prejudice of the times made the
Black Muslim movement a means
of positive Black expression. Ali
supported the fight against black
oppression 100%.
Ali defending him, and his people.
During the civil rights movement Ali found himself defending his new
name and battling issues of race and class. He became a known icon in
the struggle for civil rights.
Ali refuses draft
In 1964, He refused to serve in
the United States Army during
the Vietnam War as a
conscientious objector, because
"War is against the teachings of
the Holy Qur'an. I'm not trying
to dodge the draft. We are not
supposed to take part in no wars
unless declared by Allah or The
Messenger. We don't take part in
Christian wars or wars of any
unbelievers.
Jackie Robinson
He was the first black man to "officially" play in the big leagues in the
20th century, possessed enormous physical talent and a fierce
determination to succeed. In the course of a distinguished 10-year
career beginning in 1947, Robinson led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six
National League titles and one victorious World Series.
http://www.archives.gov/educati
on/lessons/jackierobinson/images/telegram1957.jpg
Robinson’s telegram
Jackie Robinson sent this message to Presidential
assistant E. Frederick Morrow in August 1957 as the
first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction was
being negotiated between Congress and the
Eisenhower administration.
Letter to
Kennedy
During the 1960 Presidential
campaign an angry exchange
occurred between JFK's brother
Bobby Kennedy and Robinson
after it became clear the latter
would not support John Kennedy
for election.
Robinson’s final letter to the White
House
Failing health contributed to the pessimistic tone of this letter to
Presidential assistant Roland L. Elliott
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/jackierobinson/images/letter-1972.jpg
Robinson’s
Death
The increase of violence on all
sides, and the growing violence of
the civil rights movement , made
him fear that blood would be
shed between the races. He died
at the age of 53, scarcely 6
months after writing this letter.
Works Cited:
"Teaching With Documents:Beyond the Playing Field Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate." Jackie
Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate. Web. 20 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/jackierobinson/>.
"Muhammad Ali Biography." Biography Online. Web.
20 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.biographyonline.net/sport/muhammad_
ali.html>.
Waters, Trinity. "Muhammad Ali and the Civil Rights
Movement." Helium. Helium, 21 Jan. 2008. Web. 20
Apr. 2012. <http://www.helium.com/items/810842muhammad-ali-and-the-civil-rights-movement>.