Jackie Robinson Foundation honors Linda Johnson Rice, Hank Aaron and Tom Brokaw

Johnson Publishing Co. President and CEO Linda Johnson Rice, National Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron and TV anchor and author Tom Brokaw were the honorees at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Jackie Robinson Foundation's Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

The annual event saluted the trio who have made "significant contributions not only in their respective fields, but in their communities at-large," said Steven Brown, president and chief executive officer of the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF). "More importantly, they have championed the qualities that meant the most to Jackie Robinson, equality and freedom," he added.

In 1948, Robinson, as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers, became the first Black to play Major League Baseball.

Mrs. Rice received the 2003 Robie Award for Achievement in Industry.

Johnson Publishing Co., Inc. (JPC) is the world's leading Black publishing company as publishers of the world's No. 1 Black newsweekly JET and EBONY, the world's No. 1 Black magazine.

As president and CEO, Rice is responsible for overseeing the corporation's domestic and international business operations.

She was presented the award by baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, who is a JRF board member.

"Jackie Robinson was a great American and personifies the best that our nation stands for. His commitment to achievement as well as his encouragement of brotherhood among all is a legacy that will speak volumes for generations to come," she said.

In addition to publishing JET and EBONY Magazines, JPC owns Fashion Fair Cosmetics, number one in the world for makeup and skin care for women of color, Supreme Beauty Products hair care products, the Johnson Publishing Co. Book Division and produces the EBONY Fashion Fair, the world's largest touring fashion show.

Baseball legend Henry "Hank" Aaron was recipient of the Robie Award for humanitarianism.

Aaron is senior vice president of Atlanta's National League Baseball Club, Inc. and in partnership with Comcast Cablevision of Detroit has formed the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, which awards grants to children to help them pursue their special education interests.

Aaron was presented his award by Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, a JRF board member and vice president of educational programming for Major League Baseball.

"Jackie Robinson has been a lifelong inspiration. He led the way for me and many others," said Aaron, who holds more major league batting records than any other player in the game's history.

During his 23-year major league career, he's set records for most home runs, lifetime, 755, and most runs batted in, lifetime, 2,297. In 1970 Aaron became the first player to compile both 3,000 career hits and more than 500 homers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

TV Journalist Tom Brokaw was recipient of the JRF Award For Lifetime Achievement.

As the sole anchor of the "NBC Nightly News" since 1983, Brokaw has distinguished himself in broadcast journalism through a myriad of reports ranging from exclusive one-on-one interviews with foreign heads of state to coverage of every presidential election since 1968 to live cover age of America's War on Terrorism.

Brokaw was presented his award by Bob Wright, vice chairman and executive officer of GE, chairman and CEO of NBC and Awards Dinner vice chair.

"Jackie Robinson was my boyhood hero and with every passing year I have a richer appreciation of what he went through and how he made this world a better place with his courage and grace," said Brokaw.

In 1998, Brokaw wrote his first book, The Greatest Generation, which became a best-seller, and has since penned three more best-sellers The Greatest Generation Speaks, An Album of Memories and A Long Way from Home.

Bill Cosby, a past Robie Award recipient, once again hosted the JRF Awards Dinner. Other entertainment was provided by Ron Anderson and the Versatiles.

More than 900 guests from the realms of sports, entertainment, industry and civil rights attended and were welcomed by Dinner Chairman John A. Thain, president and co-chief operating officer, the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and four Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars and alumni--Jovan Martin (JR/JP Morgan Chase Scholar), Reginald Livingston (JR alumnus, Class of 1996), Rodney Smith (JR/Goldman Sachs Scholar) and Debora Young (JR Alumna, Class of 1978).

The event raised more than $1.2 million.

The Foundation also announced the formation of a new scholarship named in honor of the late Major League pitcher Joe Black, who was the first Black pitcher to win a World Series game in 1952.

Founded in 1973 to perpetuate the memory and ideals of Jackie Robinson, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides education and leadership development opportunities for students of color with strong capabilities, but limited financial resources. Since its inception, it has supported the dreams and ambitions of 850 students, with 244 Jackie Robinson Scholars attending school this academic year.