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Early life 

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on a plantation
near Cario, Georgia, on January 31, 1919 to Jerry and Mallie Robinson.  Robinson was the youngest of five children. When Jackie was six months old his father left, and his mother moved the family to California. There, his mother bought a house in a white neighborhood in Pasadena. Jackie later said that he was proud of his mother, who would not allow the white neighbors to drive her away, or to frighten or mistreat her kids. It was from her, that Jakcie learned to stand up for his rights, demand respect from others, and to never back down. 
Pictured above: an original photograph of Jackie Robinson at about age 3, smiling for a picture.

High School/College

In 1935 Jackie Robinson attended Washington Junior High School, and then was moved to John Muir Techinical High School. In high school, Robinson participate in track, baseball, basketball, and football. Jackie was the first person to ever letter in four sports. After high school, Jackie went to Pasadena Junior College, where he led Pasadena to the Junior College Championship in 1938. From there Robinson transfered to UCLA, where he especially excelled in track, winning the NCAA mens broad jump title. In 1940 Jackie Robinson was forced to leave UCLA (just shy of graduation) due to an economic hardship. From there he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and played football with the Bears, however his season was cut short when the United States emerged into World War 2. In 1942 Robinson served as a second lieutenant in the US Army, unitl he was discharged in 1944. 
Jakie Robinson as he plays football for the UCLA Bruins in college.
Jackie Robinson as he competes in the broad jump for a national track meet. 
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