Jackie Robinson

Kansas City's role in the integration of baseball is a popular subject these days. The recent release of 42, the movie about Jackie Robinson's integration into Major League Baseball premiered in Kansas City, home of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, this month. UMKC Theatre is also tackling the subject with the debut of its play Kansas City Swing.

The movie “42” tells a story of baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, who once played for the Kansas City Monarchs.  He broke the color barrier with his entry into Major League Baseball.  A recent sneak preview of the movie in Kansas City featured an appearance by iconic actor Harrison Ford and a handful of his co-stars.

As a benefit for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Kansas City Sports Commission, the movie "42" was shown on Thursday night at the AMC theaters on Barry Road.  The chilly temperatures didn't stop those who gathered near the red carpet to get a glimpse of an A-list actor.

Actor Harrison Ford plays Branch Rickey in "42," the movie on baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson to be released next month.  Rickey is the former general manager who signed Robinson to break the color line in Major League Baseball.  Ford will be in Kansas City next month for a special screening.

Kansas City , Mo. – This is the extended interview with Michael G. Long, editor of FIRST CLASS CITIZENSHIP: The Civil Rights Letters Of Jackie Robinson.

Dr.Long was at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum last weekend as part of a program commemorating Jackie Robinson Day on April 17th.