City Council Tries To Make Amends For Ugly Chapter In City History
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia city council has issued a long-overdue apology to baseball great Jackie Robinson for the racism he endured here when he broke the game's color barrier.
The apology will be presented to Robinson's widow Rachel.
The movie "42" depicted the shameful reception Robinson received in Philadelphia, refused service by a local hotel then crudely taunted by the Phillies manager.
Nearly 70 years later, Councilwoman Helen Gym says it's time the city come to grips with that part of its history.
"I think that it calls us to consciousness that we need to be thoughtful about the ways in which racism still exists today. It did not begin or end with Jackie Robinson and it's important for us to remain conscious about that."
Gym sponsored the resolution apologizing and designating April 15th, anniversary of Robinson's first game in the majors, to celebrate his achievements.