Page 21 - Jackie Robinson: Patriot

“

If you are sincere in wanting to win the respect of black America,

you must be willing to look at your own administration’s attitude.

There seem to be key officials in your administration who have an

understanding of what motivates black people. I find it difficult to

believe there will be any, when it appears your most trusted advisors

are Vice President Agnew, Attorney General Mitchell, and Strom

Thurmond. How can you expect trust from us when we feel these men

you have selected for high office are enemies? You would not support
”
known anti-semitics to placate Jewish feelings. Why appoint known

segregationists to deal with black problems?
”

– Jack Roosevelt Robinson, in a letter to President

Richard Nixon, February 9, 1970

Jackie campaigning with Vice President Richard Nixon in
Plainfield, NJ, 1960.

Courtesy of Paul Schutzer, The Life Picture Collection,
Getty Images

Jack Roosevelt Robinson: Patriot 19