Catch up on the Museum’s dynamic intergenerational programs and how they are building community and fostering learning. Winter 2025 got the year off to a strong start with a mix of returning favorites and exciting new programs.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The Museum’s 2025 programming kicked off with our annual MLK Day celebration, honoring the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson’s friend and collaborator, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Throughout this day, visitors of all ages engaged in a range of activities that highlighted King and Robinson’s shared fight for civil rights through education, creativity, and music in a tribute to both men’s legacies.

Poignantly, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day fell on the same day as the presidential inauguration. As our nation faces stark polarization and new challenges to civil rights, the Museum served as a place for dialogue and learning; inspiration drawn from those who paved the way during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s; and renewed commitment to the work ahead. For example, visitors borrowed from the tradition of protest pinback buttons to express their vision as changemakers in their communities today.

Museum staff also activated the Museum’s galleries to help visitors dig into the significance of Robinson and King’s activism. Highlights of the day included the trivia game wheel, where visitors were able to test their knowledge of Robinson and Dr. King. Gallery tours led by curatorial assistant Sidney Carlson White provided deeper insight into Robinson and King’s collaboration, showcasing artifacts and media related to key campaigns in the South like Birmingham, AL and St. Augustine, FL.

Educator Lavita Burr led popular music workshops exploring the powerful role of music in the Civil Rights Movement. Workshop sessions highlighted how songs inspired and motivated Dr. King, Robinson, and Black communities across the country in their fight for equality and justice. The program also explored the impact of the Robinson family’s Afternoon of Jazz concerts, which raised money for civil rights organizations, including Dr. King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Children and adults alike made their own musical instruments and played them throughout the workshops, bringing history to life with rhythm and sound.

Dr. King exemplified peace, community, and love—values that were beautifully showcased throughout the day’s activities. This program brought people of all ages to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions and we look forward to hosting this annual celebration next year!

Leveling the Playing Field: Women in Basketball

On February 6, the Museum hosted our biggest Leveling the Playing Field event yet with an inspiring Women in Basketball panel (check out our feature on ABC 7). The excitement in the room was undeniable as attendees, from Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, NYU, and more, gathered to hear from remarkable, trailblazing women in the industry.

The panel was moderated by Khristina Williams, founder of Girls Talk Sports TV, and featured an incredible lineup of industry leaders. Sheila Johnson, Partner at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and co-owner of the Washington Mystics and Wizards, shared her experiences as a pioneering sports executive. Melissa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, reflected on her journey in sports marketing and the challenges she has overcome. Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the reigning WNBA Champs, the New York Liberty, offered insights into the evolving landscape of branding and women’s basketball.

Throughout the discussion, each panelist dropped gems of wisdom about their career paths and the business of basketball, blending honesty with humor in a way that had the audience fully engaged. Sheila Johnson, as the owner of both a men’s and women’s basketball team since 2005, shared insight on the discrepancies she has witnessed and continues to address. She spoke about her ongoing efforts to advocate for the Washington Mystics by building a new stadium, creating career opportunities beyond the court, and even changing the team’s mascot to better connect with their D.C. community.

This conversation couldn’t have been more timely. Women in basketball are more powerful than ever following an explosive year in both collegiate and WNBA play in 2024. And with the recent launch of the Unrivaled league making waves and WNBA expansion on the horizon, the future of women’s basketball has never looked brighter. The panel left many feeling inspired, energized, and excited for what’s to come. Their personal stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership left a lasting impact, sparking conversations that continued long after the event ended.

Jackie Robinson and Black Baseball

Black history is honored every day at the Jackie Robinson Museum, but this February, we paid special tribute to the history, impact, and legacy of Black baseball, from its 19th-century origins to the height of the Negro Leagues and its influence on the game today.

Students from PS 7 in Brooklyn and other visitors took part in a custom scavenger hunt and enjoyed a special story time featuring picture books about Black baseball trailblazers including women like Mamie “Peanut” Johnson and Effa Manley. In the Sports Gallery, the interactive educator station highlighted key figures and defining moments in Black baseball history, making the experience both educational and engaging for all ages.

We also welcomed special guests all the way from Paterson, NJ—Cesar, Cristina, and Daniella from the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium. They highlighted recently-restored Hinchcliffe Stadium’s rich connection to the Negro Leagues and Hall of Famer Larry Doby and guided visitors in creating personalized baseball cards, adding another fun element to the day.

Mr. and Mrs. Met, the beloved mascots of the New York Mets, also made the trip from Queens for Black History Month, posing for photos with visitors and joining in on the activities. They even tried their hand at our Black Baseball Memory Matching Game.

Overall, it was a fantastic day of celebration and learning—not just about Jackie Robinson, but also about the many other Black trailblazers who have made a significant impact on the game of baseball.

Monthly Programs: Access Hours and Third Thursdays

ACCESS JRM Sensory Friendly Hours  kicked off in January and are held monthly on the first Friday afternoon of the month. ACCESS JRM Fridays feature limited general admission for reduced crowds and quieter gallery spaces with exhibit audio reduced or silenced. If that sounds like a fit for your group or family, reserve a spot for the next one.

Third Thursday Museum Tours welcome visitors to join us over lunch for a guided tour of the Museum. With themed tours offered each month, this offering has been a hit, so grab a friend or co-worker and make a date to join us.

 

Overall, the year is starting off great as we continue to share the legacy of Jackie Robinson with returning and new visitors. Check out Programs and Events page to find out what’s up next!