SACRAMENTO (AP) — California lawmakers are honoring the late Jackie Robinson by proposing to rename a former state highway for the black ball player who broke major league baseball’s color barrier.
The state Assembly approved a resolution Monday urging Los Angeles and several surrounding cities to rename Manchester Avenue and Firestone Boulevard after Robinson. The road used to be known as State Route 42, which was Robinson’s number.
Democratic Assemblyman Steven Bradford of Gardena called Robinson a hero for his athletic prowess and his courage. He praised Robinson’s “temperament, his courage, his fortitude” in dealing with attacks on himself and his family.
Robinson grew up in Pasadena and attended UCLA. He debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and became a pioneer for integration in professional sports.
Legislators honored Robinson’s widow, Rachel, on Monday.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
