Attachment C- Robinson Memorial Language
Plaaue 1 (facing homes)
At this very site once stood the house of the Robinson Family A house where Mallie McGriff Robinson courageously sought refuge after leaving Cairo, GA-a haven for herself and her five children, Edgar, Frank, Mack, Willa Mae, and Jack to not only exist in a country stained with violent racism toward Black Americans, but to thrive in it.
A house where Mrs. Robinson nurtured a sense of identity and empowerment in her children, imparting the belief that ownership was their birthright, despite living in a time that denied this to Black Americans.
A house where faith, resilience, and love were the cornerstone values. But also where crucial lessons of self-defense, fearlessness, and the unwavering demand for respect from others resided.
A house whose porch became a space where endless family stories were told, and unforgettable memories created, shaping a legacy of strength and unity for generations to come.
A house where the Robinson family took up space, but also a home where they could flourish.
May this plaque stand as a testament to the home Mrs.
Robinson crafted—a place where the Robinson family could simply say, "we belong."
1 Attachment C- Robinson Memorial Language
Plaque 2 (facing east towafd s street)
Humble Beginnings of Mack and Jackie Robinson
The Robinson family resided at 121 Pepper Street from 1922 to 1946. Four years apart, Mack and Jackie attended the same schools in Pasadena including Cleveland Elementary, Washington Junior High, and John Muir High School. They both attended Pasadena Junior College where Mack set national junior college records in track and field and Jackie lettered in five sports:
football; basketball; track; baseball; and tennis.
Inspired by the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, track and field became Mack's passion. Mack made the 1936 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team, winning the Silver Medal in the 200-meter race in Berlin, finishing a half stride behind Jesse Owens. After the Olympics, Mack attended the University of Oregon and received his degree in physical education. Mack returned home to Pasadena and worked for the City of Pasadena, and later in life, became an active volunteer and advocate for safer parks and neighborhoods. Mack was an early supporter of the Special Olympics and its athletes. Mack's achievements were recognized when he was selected as one of eight Olympians to carry the Olympic Flag into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the Opening Ceremony of the 1984 Olympic Games.
It has been said that Jackie's goal was to become an Olympian like Mack, but unfortunately, his 1940 Olympic dreams were crushed due to World War II. Jackie did go on to attended UCLA and lettered in four sports. Jackie briefly played baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League before signing a contract in 1945 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie was the first African American to play in the modern major league when he took the field for the Dodgers on April 15,1947. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1947, Most Valuable Player in 1949, and was selected for the AII-Star team six times during his ten-year career with the Dodgers. He was elected to Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962.
Jackie was an outspoken activist on behalf of civil rights and social justice. He was a constant presence at rallies and demonstrations and a major fundraiser for the NAACP, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. One of his favorite sayings, which is engraved on his headstone, was: "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives/' The original 121 Pepper Street home was torn down in the 1970s. Another home was built on the same site in 1977 and is now 123 Pepper Street.
2 Attachment C- Robinson Memorial Language
Plaque 3 (facing west towards street)
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I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being/' - Jackie
Robinson
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"Learn to finish what you set out to do!" - Mack
Robinson
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