This biography of sport's figure Jackie Robinson focuses on his civil rights activism, beginning with how he defended himself from a White rock-throwing neighbor when he was eight years old. Describes how he used his pubic profile as an athlete to draw attention to the injustices perpetrated against African Americans. Highlights the protests he participated in, his public comments, and his debates with leading Civil Rights leaders during the 1960s. The examples from his life show that he was much more than a sports icon, he was a man of principle who couldn't idly sit by and allow racism to persist unchecked.

Introduction -- Our words -- Part I. Foundations. Taking the freedom train ; Throwing stones ; Stoking the fire ; Tarring Jim Crow -- Part II. From college to the army. Snatching sacks ; Banding with Black Bulldogs ; Resisting arrest ; Falling in love ; Fighting the army -- Part III. Baseball ; Fueling the Negro Leagues ; Staring at Rickey ; Crushing the minors ; Becoming Jackie again ; Controlling his temper ; Straightening his back ; Kicking Jackie ; Winning the world series -- Part Four. Civil rights. Marching for integrated schools ; Extinguishing hatred ; Backing the Birmingham students ; Marching on Washington ; Warring with Malcolm X ; Crashing the white man's party -- Part Five. Patriotism and family. Defending peace and war ; Refusing to fly the flag ; Heading home.