Philadelphia to apologize to Jackie Robinson for racist treatment

The Philadelphia City Council has unanimously agreed to a resolution granting a posthumous apology to baseball great Jackie Robinson for the racist treatment he endured when he played in the city 69 years ago.

The apology will be formally given on April 15, a day designated by officials to commemorate Robinson’s achievements, and is expected to be accepted by his widow, ABC News reported.

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“Unfortunately in Philadelphia, Jackie Robinson experienced some of the most virulent racism and hate of his career,” Councilwoman Helen Gym was quoted by ABC.

Robinson was denied service at a local Philadelphia hotel and was taunted by Phillies players, including manager Ben Chapman, who insulted Robinson with racial slurs when he came to bat, the Associated Press added in an article reported by Fox News.

April 15 was chosen as the day to honor Robinson because it was when he made history by becoming the first black Major League Baseball player, taking the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, according to the AP report.

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“I think that it calls us to consciousness that we need to be thoughtful about the ways in which racism still exists today. It did not begin or end with Jackie Robinson, and it’s important for us to remain conscious about that,” Councilwoman Gym said to CBS3.