Author Spotlight
Luciana Mendy
Black History Month amplifies many of “The Greats” like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X. However, whenever February rolls around, you can’t celebrate the month without mentioning the one and only Jackie Robinson and his accomplishments in baseball and equality.
Every year I look forward to seeing these heroes get the recognition they deserve. This year was no different. At least not until I saw a TikTok from the CBS News account about a Jackie Robinson statue that had been vandalized in McAdams Park in Wichita on Jan. 26.
As the 45-second video progressed I grew more horrified. The statue had not only been cut off at the ankles but its burnt remains were found scattered around Garvey Park, Wichita — a mere three hours away from my home.
As I scrolled through the comments under the video, I saw the expected shocked and upset comments but I grew angry as I scrolled further down.
No problem with all the other statues in the US destroyed, wonder why people are mad now?
So why do you allow minorities to rip down white historical statues without punishment?
Oh well, can’t be upset when hundreds of other historical statues have been removed.
What these comments failed to mention is that most of the previous statues were Confederate memorials and were destroyed due to the figures’ controversial actions.
The destruction of Jackie Robinson’s statue should not be compared to the removal of statues that were built to honor white supremacists because his legacy will forever be more impactful due to the changes he made while breaking the color barrier in baseball and the way for future generations of African American athletes.
Many of the statues that have been removed in the past few years were of people who created a legacy of institutionalized racism based on hate and discrimination, justifying their removal.
Robinson is the opposite— his legacy is one of perseverance, equality and integrity. Vandalizing the Robinson statue is not only wrong but is also a complete disservice to everything he worked for.
Jackie Robinson’s legacy isn’t just about his accomplishments on the baseball field but also about the impact he had on equality in America as a whole.
It’s disgusting to see that even in 2024 with Robinson being dead for more than 50 years, he’s still dealing with acts of racism and prejudice. It’s a slap in the face to his memory and to the countless individuals who’ve been inspired by his story.
The offenders haven’t been caught yet but even if they never are, their vandalism was undone. The Wichita community has already raised enough money to build a new statue and the MLB itself also donated to the cause, according to USA Today.
The MLB’s monetary donation proves that no amount of vandalism can erase the legacy that Jackie Robinson created. Robinson reached people with his actions, spreading a message of equality, not hate.
His impact on the world of sports and civil rights in America at large is enduring and will continue to inspire generations to come. Rather than tearing down symbols of greatness, we should strive to build upon them and honor those who have made a difference in the world.
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