On October 3rd, The Jackie Robinson Foundation held its 4th Annual Jazz on the Grass benefit in Sherman Oaks, CA at the estate of Lynne and Oz Scott, noted director/producer. Hosted by Pat Prescott of 94.7 The Wave, the event drew more than 500 supporters and featured stellar performances from James Ingram, George Duke, Sheila E., Brenda Russell, Patrice Rushen, Dave Koz, and many more. With sponsorship from the Ford Motor Company, Hennessy, New Era, American Airlines, Anheuser Busch, Broadway Federal Bank, CBS, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Nordstrom, UCLA and many others, the event raised $100,000 in support of the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Education and Leadership Development Program. The afternoon also showcased the achievements of JRF Scholars and featured an All-Star Scholars’ performance.
JR DAY COMMEMORATED AT NATION'S BALL PARKS
JRF Scholars join CitiGroup officials and JRF President/CEO Della Britton Baeza at tthe new CitiField as baseball commemorates Jackie Robinson Day on April 15th
As the nation paused to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier, 63 Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars were highlighted in pre-game ceremonies across the nation at 15 baseball stadiums. The landmark commemoration was hosted in New York at the Mets new home, Citi Field and began with an afternoon dedication of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, the iconic entryway to the stadium. The Rotunda pays homage to the nine values by which Jackie Robinson lived with larger-than-life images and words, and evokes the feel of Ebbets Field, the Brooklyn baseball cathedral in which Jackie played for the Dodgers. At the national celebration in New York, nine Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars and Alumni were recognized in a poignant pre-game ceremony. JRF/BMO Capital Markets Scholar Christopher Alston performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem. JRF Founder Rachel Robinson addressed the capacity crowd of over 40,000 prior to the game. Building on the more than 330 players and on-field staff members who wore Jackie’s Number 42 last year, Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig requested that all on-field personnel wear the number as a sign of League-wide unity. Since 2004, MLB has honored Robinson’s legacy with a day dedicated to his memory. In recognition of Jackie Robinson Day, one Number 42 jersey from every club will be team-signed and auctioned off on MLB.com with the proceeds benefitting the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
NEWARK BEARS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION
President/CEO Della Britton Baeza accepts check from Newark Bears co-owner Jim Wankmiller.
JRF CELEBRATES 2009 ROBIE AWARD WINNERS
L-R: JRF Chairman Leonard S. Coleman Jr.; JRF Annual Awards Dinner Chair and Air Products Chairman, President and CEO John McGlade, JRF President and CEO Della Britton Baeza, JRF Founder Rachel Robinson, JRF ROBIE Award Recipients Robert Redford, Robin Roberts and Dr. Ben Carson Sr.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation held its 2009 Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, March 16th at New York’s venerable Waldorf=Astoria hotel. Hosted by legendary entertainer Bill Cosby for nearly three decades, the iconic event paid tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson. This years honorees included Robin Roberts, Good Morning America co-host, who was recognized not only her own pioneering career in broadcasting, but also for her unwavering commitment to advancing social change through her reporting. World renowned physician, educator and Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins University, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr., was also honored. His breakthrough research and patient care has dramatically improved the human condition and he has served as a mentor and role model for scores of African American youth across the country who dream of becoming physicians. In addition, the Foundation honored Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Film Festivalandone of the most iconic actors of our time. This entrepreneur and trailblazer in the world of cinema has spent his career opening doors for many giving voice to young filmmakers. Over 1000 guests supported this year's event. >>MORE
JRF SCHOLARS COME TOGETHER FOR ANNUAL NETWORKING WEEKEND
Youth Ventures' Divine Bradley addresses JRF Scholars at Networking Weekend.
JRF Scholars from across the nation converged on New York City to attend the Foundation's Networking Weekend. For four days, Scholars had the opportunity to network with other talented students, JRF alumni and staff, and participate in a bevy of leadership workshops, luncheons and topical panel discussions led by industry leaders. In addition, Make It Plain, a Sirius XM's show hosted by Mark Thompson (Matsimela Mapfumo) broadcasted live from the Crowne Plaza. The one-hour talk show featured JRF Founder Rachel Robinson, JRF Board Secretary Martin Edelman and JRF President/CEO Della Britton Baeza. Thompson was joined by Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson and NPR's Alison Stewart in a spirited political panel moderated by Edelman which reflected on the historic election year. Scholars and alumni further honored Jackie’s legacy by donating their time and efforts through the JRF Alumni and Scholar Community Service Initiative.
Foundation Mourns the Loss of Singer and JRF Supporter Kenny Rankin
Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin has died.Rankin passed away on Sunday, June 7 after being diagnosed with cancer. The singer, who had a career in pop and jazz that spanned over 35 years, served on the LA Jazz advisory committee and was a performer at JAZZ on the Grass, the premier entertainment event on the West Coast benefiting JRF.
Enjoy Kenny Rankin's performance at JAZZ on the Grass 2008 or watch YouTube version
Bill Cosby and Singer Kenny Lattimore Entertain Near Capacity Crowd at 2009 Annual Awards Dinner
Dr. Bill Cosby (right) enjoys a laugh with dinner MC's and JRF Scholars Jackie M. Robinson (Harvard '09) and Tasha Byers (Univ. of St. Thomas '09)
JRF/Morgan Stanley Scholar Selected to Speak at Clinton Global Initiative Conference
Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Alex Cater was surrounded by crippling poverty, endless cycles of hopelessness and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But with his unshakeable resolve and the support of his mother, the dream of a college education never seemed out of reach. There was also the boon that came from a childhood source of inspiration: Jackie Robinson. “Growing up in the area where I did, I did not see a lot of success among African Americans,” said the JRF/Morgan Stanley Foundation Scholar and senior at the University of Michigan. “What Jackie did gave me the inspiration to try to step forward and to achieve great things and make a difference in the lives of the people around me and improve my community. Jackie’s legacy was a means of striving for greatness.”>>MORE
Jackie Robinson Museum Campaign Announced
On the eve of Jackie Robinson’s 90th birthday party, the Foundation celebrated the milestone by officially launching an ambitious new chapter in its own history. Jackie Robinson Foundation President and CEO Della Britton Baeza formally announced plans to construct an interactive Jackie Robinson Museum in lower Manhattan, slated to open next year. The $25 million campaign is halfway to completion thanks to significant gifts from Nike, the Yawkey Foundation, the New York Mets, Citi and the New York Yankees. The star-studded event featured a dynamic panel discussion with iconic basketball star and historian Kareem Abdul Jabbar and New York Mets skipper Jerry Manuel. >>CLICK TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT
