UMKC Jackie Robinson Scholarship recipient talks goals, push for equality
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackie Robinson set the world on a different path 77 years ago today.
The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame broke the sport’s color barrier, a moment from 1947 that’s being celebrated at stadiums across the nation tonight.
Jackie Robinson’s baseball career began in the Negro Leagues, playing for the Kansas City Monarchs.
Former Dodgers player purchases Jackie Robinson art piece from Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
UMKC med student Emanuella Alawode will throw out the first pitch at Friday night’s Kansas City Royals game.
Alawode, who hails from Dallas, is the Royals representative in the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Foundation, a scholarship program that helps deserving college students afford their education. Alawode is four years into medical school, working on a bachelor’s degree in biology and her MD at the same time.
“I would say it’s made my college experience very memorable, just being a Jackie Robinson scholar, and being connected to the network,” Alawode said. “I hope to do a surgical specialty, particularly cardiothoracic surgery residency.”
Robinson’s breaking of baseball’s color barrier in April 1947 sent ripples throughout society. The National Medical Association says only 5.7 percent of U.S. doctors are African-Americans.
“Jackie Robinson persevered despite the hardships that were thrown at him. I want to encourage other young people out there, like me, if you have a dream, go for it,” Alawode said.
Boyz II Men to bring tour to Kansas City this summer
“Being strategic in choosing who we want to represent us was something that was a no-brainer with Emanuella, with her dedication to the community, especially wanting to be a figure for the Black women in her field that may not necessarily be there,” Breanne Mitchell, who works with the Royals Community Impact team, said.
Alawode‘s long distance goals also keep Robinson’s spirit alive. She hopes to work in healthcare policy someday, with intent to make medical care more accessible to everyone equally.
