Pasadena Historian Advocates for Enhanced Tribute to Jackie Robinson

A Pasadena historian, Okeyo Jumal, is engaged in a prolonged effort to secure a more prominent memorial for baseball legend and civil rights pioneer Jackie Robinson at his former home. Jumal, who has familial ties to the Robinson family, expressed frustration over the current plaque, which he deems insufficient and unremarkable. "If you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't have known it," he stated, emphasizing the need for a tribute that reflects Robinson's significant contributions to sports and society. The existing monument merely notes that Jackie and his brother Mack Robinson lived at the site from 1922 to 1946, failing to capture their legacy. Mack, an Olympic silver medalist, and Jackie, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, are celebrated figures whose impact extends far beyond athletics. Jumal believes that the current tribute does not honor their legacy adequately, calling it an "insult" to both the Robinson family and the community. Since 2020, Jumal has been advocating for a more detailed and visible tribute, which he hopes will highlight the Robinsons' global influence. A Pasadena city spokesperson indicated that the delay in the process is due to ongoing community outreach to involve all stakeholders in the decision-making. Jumal's proposal for a new plaque is set to be presented to the Pasadena City Council on August 19, aiming to rectify what he sees as a long-overdue recognition of the Robinson family's legacy.