Rachel Isum Born
Pasadena, CAJuly 19, 1922
Rachel Annetta Isum is born to Charles R. and Zelle Isum in Pasadena, CA
Jackie Meets Rachel
Los Angeles, CASeptember 1, 1940
Jackie Robinson meets Rachel on the UCLA campus.
Rachel Graduates UCLA
Los Angeles, CAJune 1, 1945
Rachel graduates from UCLA with a degree in Nursing
Jackie & Rachel Marry
Los Angeles, CAFebruary 10, 1945
Jackie Robinson and Rachel Isum are married at Independent Church of Christ in Los Angeles, CA.
Jackie Jr. is Born
Los Angeles, CANovember 18, 1946
Jackie Robinson Jr. is born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, CA"
Sharon is Born
New York, NYJanuary 13, 1950
Daughter Sharon Annetta is born in New York, NY.
David is Born
New York, NYMay 14, 1952
Son David is born at Doctor's Hospital in New York, NY.
Rachel Obtains a Master's Degree
Bronx, NYMay 1961
After graduating from NYU with a masters in psychiatric nursing, Rachel is hired as a clinical nurse at First Day Hospital in the Bronx, NY. She is later named head of psychiatric nursing at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Jazz For a Cause
Stamford, CTJune 30, 1963
The Robinsons host a jazz concert at their home in Stamford to raise bail money for jailed civil rights activists. In is the first of an annual event that continues until 2001.
Rachel Becomes Director
New Haven, CTJune 1965
Rachel Robinson becomes director of nursing for the state mental health center in New Haven and an assistant professor at the Yale University School of Nursing.
Jackie Jr. Dies
June 17, 1971
Rachel and Jackie's oldest son Jackie is killed in an early morning car crash.
Jack Roosevelt Robinson Dies
October 24, 1972
Rachel's beloved husband Jack dies. They were married for 26 years.
Development Company Formed
Englewood Cliffs, NJDecember 1972
Rachel becomes President of the Jackie Robinson Construction Corporation and renames the company the Jackie Robinson Development Corporation. The new company builds 1,600 low- to moderate- income housing units.
JRF is Founded
New York, NYDecember 18, 1972
With the assistance of Martin Edelman, Charles Williams & Franklin Williams, Rachel honors her husband's memory by establishing the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The organization provides college scholarships and support services to students from under-served communities.
Afternoon of Jazz
Stamford, CTJune 1975
JRF becomes the sole beneficiary of "An Afternoon of Jazz" concert. The concert began in 1963 as a way to raise bail money for jailed civil-rights activists.
First Program Graduate
Chestnut Hill, MAMay 1978
Scholarship recipient Debora Young, graduates from Boston College. Rachel Robinson is on hand to present Debora her degree.
ROBIE Awards
New York, NYSpring 1979
JRF hosts its first independent Awards Dinner. The ROBIE Award, the Foundation's highest tribute to extraordinary individuals who have devoted a lifetime to the promotion of social justice and human dignity, are presented to Arthur Ashe and Ralph Ward.
Networking Weekend
Stamford, CTSpring 1983
The first Scholars' Networking Weekend (now Mentoring and Leadership Conference) is held at the Robinson home in Connecticut.
Presidential Recognition
Washington, DCMarch 26, 1984
Jackie Robinson is awarded, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rachel Robinson accepts the award from President Ronald Reagan during a White House ceremony.
National Traveling Exhibit
Los Angeles, CASeptember 3, 1987
Rachel launches a multi-city traveling Jackie Robinson exhibition which kicks off in Los Angeles, CA.
Rachel Retires as Board Chair
New York, NYOctober 11, 1995
Rachel Robinson steps down as Chairman of JRF's Board of Directors. Leonard S. Coleman, Jr., President of the National League of Major League Baseball, is elected the new Chairman.
42 Retired
New York, NYApril 15, 1997
Rachel, President Clinton and MLB Commissioner Allan "Bud" Selig mark the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic entry into baseball with a nationally televised ceremony at Shea Stadium retiring his number "42" in perpetuity. JRF launches a $12 million endowment campaign with a $1 million gift from Major League Baseball.
Congressional Honors
Washington, DCOctober 29, 2003
The Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian award bestowed by Congress, is awarded to Jackie Robinson. Rachel Robinson is presented the award by President George W. Bush during a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda on March 2, 2005.
Awarded the Commissioner's Award
July 10, 2007
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig presents Rachel the Commissioner Historic Achievement Award. She is the first woman and the first non-player to be so honored.
"42" Premieres
April 1, 2013
The major motion picture "42" premieres. A box office success, Rachel Robinson is portrayed by actress Nicole Beharie.
Traveling with the President
CubaMarch 22, 2016
Rachel joins an American delegation led by President Obama for a historic visit to Cuba.
Jackie Robinson Museum
New York, NYApril 27, 2017
The Jackie Robinson Foundation breaks ground on the Jackie Robinson Museum.
Jackie Robinson Centennial
January 31, 2019
Rachel helps commemorates the Jackie Robinson Centennial by attending a series of events across the country.
Rachel Robinson Centennial
July 19, 2022
Rachel celebrates her 100th birthday.