This resolution recognizes April 15, 2025, as Jackie Robinson Day in the State of Kansas, commemorating the significant contributions of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB) on April 15, 1947, as the first African American player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The resolution highlights Robinson's remarkable athletic career, including his achievements in various sports at UCLA, his service in the Army, and his pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement. It notes his accolades, such as the Rookie of the Year Award, the Most Valuable Player Award, and his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as his efforts to improve working conditions and support the Black community.
The resolution also emphasizes the lasting legacy of Jackie Robinson, including the retirement of his uniform number 42 across all MLB teams in 1997 and the establishment of "Jackie Robinson Day," where players honor his memory by wearing his number. The resolution was sponsored by Representatives Daniel Hawkins and Patrick Penn and was adopted by the House of Representatives, affirming the importance of recognizing Robinson's impact both on and off the field.