Community Invited to Learn About and Celebrate the Life of Jackie Robinson at the Jackie Robinson Community Center

PASADENA, Calif.- The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Pasadena Public Library invites the public to celebrate the 107^th birthday of famed baseball player and civil rights activist at the Jackie Robinson: Beyond Baseball event on Friday, Jan. 30, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Jackie Robinson Community Center (JRCC), 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103.

This fun and interactive program will be led by Library Technician Tiffany Dueñas and Pasadena History Librarian Young Phong. Attendees will explore Jackie Robinson's childhood in Pasadena, the sports he played and loved before baseball, and learn about some surprising moments from his early life. Using a myth vs fact style, attendees will get to know Jackie Robinson in a whole new way. There will be a self-guided tour of the Jackie Robinson baseball exhibition. Birthday treats will also be available. This program is recommended for those ages 9 and older. For more information about this event or to request a disability-related accommodation, please call Jackie Robinson Community Center at (626) 744-7300.

About Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson lived in Pasadena from 1922 to 1947, where he learned to play sports. While living in Pasadena, he attended John Muir High School, where he first excelled in baseball, football, track, and basketball. Robinson went on to attend UCLA before joining the Dodgers in 1947. Throughout his life, he contributed to the Civil Rights Movement and was the first African American to play Major League Baseball and become Vice President of a major American corporation.

The Jackie Robinson Community Center was named after this trailblazer and is located in the neighborhood where he grew up. It was dedicated in his name on June 2, 1974.