What Did Sports Mean to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

January 19 is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King worked for civil rights. Civil rights means everyone has equal rights. He believed sports could help. 

Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, NYWT&S Collection, [LC-USZ62-111165]

Jackie Robinson played baseball. Before Robinson, baseball was divided. African Americans were not allowed to play Major League Baseball. They had to play in their own leagues.  Robinson changed that. He played Major League Baseball. People insulted Robinson. People threatened him. Robinson was brave.  

Dr. King became Robinson’s friend. King gave him advice. He encouraged him. Dr. King became friends with many other people in sports. When King died, Major League Baseball honored him. 

Photo Credit: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration [6802718]

Sports celebrate Dr. King on January 19. Major League Baseball is not in season in January. The National Basketball Association is in season. It will have games that celebrate King. One game will be in Atlanta. Atlanta is King’s hometown. Other sports will also honor Dr. King. They include college basketball, football, and hockey.  

What Do You Think?  What do sports mean to you?

Photo Credit: J.D.S/Shutterstock