Pasadena Civic Center has become a favorite destination when Black History Month rolls around because of the l997 addition of two monumental sculptures of the Robinson brothers, Jackie and Mack.
Everyone knows of the contribution of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in major league baseball in l947, when he signed to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His story is told in books and film and his number, 42, has become the title of a book and a recent movie.
Less is known about the older brother. From a single parent home, older brother Mack earned his stripes as early as junior high school, where his record times and ability to run eventually earned him a place on the l936 Olympic team that traveled to Berlin for the summer olympics. This was the team featuring Jessie Owens who won four gold medals in an Olympic Competition that defied Adolf HItler’s notions of white supremacy. Mack came in .4 seconds behind Owens in the 200 meter race, earning a silver medal.
Of the medal, he said “My silver medal has a lot of meaning to me, and I believe it has as much meaning as the gold,” later adding “It’s not too bad to be second best in the world at what you’re doing, no matter what it is. It means only that one other person in the world was better than you. That makes you better than an awful lot of people.”
Upon his return from the Olympics, Mack resumed his college studies but left to help support his family in a lifetime of humble jobs. He did eventually finish his college degree and remained a Pasadena resident who fought for justice for his community. He spoke out for parks and schools to counter crime, worked to restore peace after the l992 race riots in LA. He remained an active volunteer in civic and youth groups and was more than willing to speak out on issues of civic justice for his community.
HIs son remarked that he was so outspoken, “If they knew Mack was coming down there, it was like “Oh my God!’ My dad was an advocate for the northwest citizens on Pasadena. He fought for their rights.”
Mack Robinson’s was a life of civic service and support for his brother Jackie. As such, the Civic Center of Pasadena is graced with both sculptures each nearly 10 feet tall, surrounded by signs telling their story. Jackie faces east, where he played with the Dodgers. Mack faces the City Hall, where like so many outstanding Americans, he fought for justice.