FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS

JRF SCHOLARS WORK AT HISTORIC POLITICAL CONVENTIONS

(pictured from left to right: Rayshon Payton (Oklahoma City University), Daniella Jones (U Penn), Lauren Usher (U Penn), Dena Baker (U Minn), Melissa Johnson (Manhattanville College), Lauren Underwood (University of Michigan grad)

Seven Jackie Robinson Foundation college scholarship recipients returned to their campuses this fall having had the opportunity to serve as interns with NBC News at the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention.  Lauren Underwood, a JRF/Michael & Juanita Jordan Fund Scholar attending the University of Michigan, Lauren Usher, a JRF/Arthur Strugatz Scholar attending the University of Pennsylvania, Daniella Jones, a JRF/Dow Jones Scholar attending the University of Pennsylvania, Jaira Harrington, a JRF/GE Scholar and graduate of Spelman College, Melissa Johnson, a JRF/Unilever Scholar attending Manhattanville College, Rayshon Payton, a JRF/National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association Scholar attending Oklahoma City University and Dena Baker a JRF/University of Minnesota Scholar attending the University of Minnesota were selected as part of a rigorous interview process. UMinn student John Hardy interned at the GOP convention held in the Twin Cities.

JRF SCHOLARS to PERFORM at 3rd ANNUAL JAZZ on the GRASS BENEFIT  

(pictured from left to right) JRF/Los Angeles Dodgers Dream Foundation Scholar Anthony Diamond and JRF/UCLA/Team 42 Scholar Nicolette Robinson.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation will host its third annual Jazz on the Grass benefit on September 20th at the Sherman Oaks, California home of Lynne and Oz Scott, noted Hollywood and Theatrical Director. Continuing the iconic tradition of jazz and Jackie Robinson dating back to 1963, Kenny Rankin, Freda Payne, Paul Jackson, Jr., Michael Henderson, Carmen Lundy, Rick Braun and Brian Bromberg are just a few musicians slated to perform. In addition, JRF/Los Angeles Dodgers Team 42 Scholars Anthony Diamond and Nicolette Robinson will perform.  Pat Prescott of 94.7 The Wave will once again serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.  Event sponsors include Ford Motor Company, Broadway Federal Bank, CBS Paramount, City National Bank, Moet Hennessy, New Era, Nordstrom and UCLA. >> MORE

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME HONORS JACKIE ROBINSON WITH NEW PLAQUE

With JRF Founder Rachel Robinson (left) and JRF Vice-Chair Sharon Robinson (right) in attendance, baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown paid a rare tribute to Jackie Robinson on June 25th - a new Hall of Fame plaque that recognizes the cultural impact he had as the first black player in the major leagues. Hall of Fame chair Jane Forbes Clark and Mrs. Robinson unveiled the plaque. Rachel Robinson expressed her hope that when young people view Jackie Robinson's new Hall of Fame plaque, they will look beyond statistics and "embrace all that Jack has meant and all that they can be."