I salute you...Jackie Robinson

I'd heard about Jackie's accolades at UCLA and Pasadena City College. I'd read all about his excellence in sports, lettering in track, basketball, baseball and football at each school. I've heard people speak about him and what he'd done for our country through sports. He was the first man of color to play professional baseball. He had the courage to go to the stadiums, into the clubhouses and locker rooms knowing it would be difficult because he was different. The only reason he was different, his skin was a darker color than the other players. During the late 1940's, when this happened, people all over the world were quite ignorant, therefore, he wasn't welcomed. But, he managed, he more than managed, he pushed through and truly changed the world. Even Martin Luther King Jr. once said Jackie Robinson did more for the civil rights movement than anyone of his time. He's been my hero for most of my adult life. His struggles and adversities motivate me to push through mine. If Jackie could do it, then I surely could. So, last night when I had the pleasure of standing in front of Jackie Robinson Stadium on the campus of Pasadena City College, I was mesmerized. I felt him there with me. I know his strength and perseverance have been by my side through the celebrations in my career and the pain of the disappointments. Being there last night, right where he'd studied for two years, 75 years ago, meant more to me than anything in a long time. I don't want us to lose his memory, I want young people to know the significance of his lifetime. I want to be sure kids always know who he is and what he did for so many of us in this country. He made it possible for people of all races and backgrounds to play sports. In the military and competitive sports were the first two places men of color worked side by side, reaching out for the same goal. I salute you Jackie Roosevelt Robinson. You have led me and inspired me year after year. I thank you for your guidance and vision. I've celebrated good times in my life and my career, because you taught me how to work through the challenges with a smile on my face. What would Jackie do? He would never give up. Cheers to Jackie Robinson. Hip Hip Hooray! I'd like to thank my partners on The CJ Silas Show for believing in me and supporting one of my dreams and encouraging me to Never Give Up!!!! Community VW of Santa Maria, Dr. Brad Kurgis Dermatology, Lido Restaurant @ The Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, Dr. Daniel Lapidus & Larry Ackerman, G Brothers Smokehouse, Breven Baima @ Farmer's Insurance, Star Autmotive and Tim Holt of Preservation Capital. Without you by my side believing, The CJ Silas Show would be only a mere idea in my crazy little brain.