Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter

Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter by Yohuru Williams is a biography that delves into the life of Jackie Robinson, an iconic figure in American sports and civil rights history. The book focuses on Robinson's role as a black freedom fighter, shedding light on his activism and struggles both on and off the field. The book explores Robinson's early life, including his childhood in California and his experiences in the military, where he faced discrimination and racism. It also examines his baseball career, including his time in the Negro Leagues and his historic signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he became the first black player in Major League Baseball. The author, Yohuru Williams, highlights Robinson's courage and determination in the face of racism and hostility, both from fans and within his own team. The book also delves into Robinson's relationships with other civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Throughout the book, Williams draws parallels between Robinson's struggles and the broader civil rights movement, highlighting the ways in which his activism and leadership helped pave the way for future generations of black athletes and activists. Overall, 'Call Him Jack' is a powerful and thought-provoking biography that sheds new light on an iconic figure in American history, and provides a nuanced understanding of the intersections of race, sports, and activism in the mid-20th century.