Jackie Robinson was born on January 31st, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia. He grew up in a poor family raised by just his mother. Jackie was the youngest of 5 children. He had 3 brothers, Mack, Edgar, and Frank, and a sister Willa Mae.

Jackie was a very talented athlete all his life. He received varsity letters in basketball, football, track, and baseball at UCLA. Robinson had quit school shortly before graduation due to financial issues. He went on to play football for the Honolulu Bears in a semi-professional league, but had to end the season early as World War II had started.

In 1942, Jackie was drafted into the army. He served as a Second Lieutenant Officer. Jackie got himself into a bit of trouble after refusing to move after the request from the white driver. Between this incident and his already limited work status from football injuries, he was dismissed in 1944.

Jackie's older brother Mack convinced Jackie to pursue his dreams. This is exactly what he did all throughout his years of school. In 1945, he accepted an offer from a professional Negro baseball team for $400 a month. Though, during his time with the Monarchs, he came to disliking the lack of organization throughout the league.