Segregated Heroes

I chose these three exemplary athletes and upstanding citizens because of their character and the juxtaposition of the ongoing American policy of segregation and how their loyalty endured for America.

Jimmie Crutchfield, Leon Day and Monte Irvin.

Jimmie was a 4 time Allstar outfielder and was part of one of the finest baseball teams ever assembled, the 1935 Pittsburgh Crawfords.

He enlisted in the army 1943 and was relegated to a segregated black unit.

Leon Day was a pitcher/outfielder for the Newark Eagles and Baltimore Elite Giants. 9 time all star and Cooperstown HOFer. He went to war in 1943 in an all segregated division and was part of the Normandy invasion in 1945. While in the army Leon played on the first integrated team in Military history and won the service championship in Europe. He was relegated to a segregated black unit.

In 1946 he came back to play for the Newark Eagles and on opening day he pitched a no hitter.

Monte Irvin played for the Newark Eagles and was a multi time all star who went to Lincoln University and held the New Jersey High School record for the javelin throw that stood for decades after his graduation.

Monte Irvin and how he lived his life is a testament to a brilliant man who happened to be a baseball player. He worked for Bowie Kuhn and was a model citizen with the greatest ability to tell a story.

Monte spent 1943 through 1945 in the army. He was relegated to a segregated black unit.

This painting celebrates great black men who America turned its back on. Through their challenging lives and how they were treated, they were still thankful to live in America. Better men than me.