Jackie Robinson is known by many for his baseball career. Few recognize that there is considerably more to his legacy. Breaking themlong color barrier in Major League Baseball was just one of many steps Robinson took toward promoting equality in the United States. After laying down his baseball mitt, Robinson picked up a pen and took to writing. His columns in national newspapers established him as an unwavering civil rights activist and political critic.

Dr. Michael G. Long, associate professor of religious studies and director of Peace and Conflict Studies at Elizabethtown College discusses this often unrecognized aspect of Robinson at a Presidential Community Enrichment Series talk taking place at noon Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Susquehanna Room of Myer Hall. Long is editor of ‘Beyond Home Plate: Jackie Robinson on Life After Baseball,’ a compilation of Robinson’s newspaper columns. His talk, titled after the book, focuses not on Robinson’s athletic feats, but the efforts he considered much more meaningful—his work as an activist.

Robinson devoted his post-baseball years to the civil rights movement so his kids and ours could live in dignity.”

Robinson’s goal was not athletic immortality, instead he was focusing on first-class citizenship for all Americans. “Robinson devoted his post-baseball years to the civil rights movement so his kids and ours could live in dignity,” said Long, noting that those interested in exploring this dimension of Robinson are encouraged to attend the event.

The Presidential Community Enrichment Series is dedicated to people in the greater Elizabethtown area who wish to enrich their lives through learning and fellowship in a collegial environment. Those interested in attending Enrichment events can register by sending emailing iaenrichseries@etown.edu. Registration is $10 and includes lunch, the lecture and discussion.