34 and 42: Going to Bat for Equality

The next Evenings at Ease program is Tuesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. in the Visitors Center Auditorium of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene. This program is free and open to the public.

Tim Rives presents "34 and 42: Going to Bat for Equality" examining the relationship between Dwight Eisenhower and Jackie Robinson in connection to civil rights. The Robinson-Eisenhower relationship is best known for Jackie Robinson's criticism of the president's support of civil rights. Robinson, who made the number 42 famous on the ball field, forcefully opposed the 1957 Civil Rights bill signed by our 34th president, as well as Ike's awkward admonitions of patience to African American civil rights leaders. This presentation, however, focuses on lesser known aspects of the relationship, especially Robinson's continuing attempt to win Ike to his views with letters of praise and respectful requests for assistance as part of his campaign. The presentation will also include a look at Ike's own athletic career.

Tim Rives is the deputy director and supervisory archivist at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Rives grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and received his Master’s in American history from Emporia State University. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and has been with the National Archives and Records Administration for more than 20 years.