Danny Glover And Dick Gregory Honored By Jackie Robinson Foundation

Award-winning actor-activist Danny Glover and famed comedian-activist Dick Gregory were among the distinguished Americans recently honored by the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) at its 28th Annual Awards Dinner in New York City.

Glover received the Robie Award for Humanitarianism during the gala at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Gregory was awarded the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. The Foundation also established an endowed Jackie Robinson (JR) scholarship in Gregory's name.

Legendary entertainer Bill Cosby served as master of ceremonies at the Annual Dinner.

Glover said: "I have to acknowledge two people who had the most impact on me--my parents ... they taught me what it means to be committed. Like Sharon and David are for Jackie and Rachel, I am an extension of my parents' prayers. And in the spirit of my grandparents who told me, `If you know, you owe.'"

In accepting his award, Gregory stated: "I must thank Jackie Robinson for all of the sacrifices that he made, he did not have to do it.... and for the love and support the Jackie Robinson Foundation gives to young people." He added, "To be associated with the great Jackie Robinson through a scholarship established in my name brings me immense joy. Because it will touch the lives of young people for generations to come, I feel like a candle in a dark room forever giving light."

Also honored was industry trailblazer Henry Silverman, president, chairman and chief executive officer of the Cendant Corporation, who received the Robie Award for Achievement in Industry.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation also announced a scholarship in the name of baseball great-humanitarian Derek Jeter. Jeter's support of JRF began in 1998 with a contribution of $25,000 from his own charitable organization, the Turn 2 Foundation, to establish a four-year scholarship.

Founded in 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation awards four-year college scholarships so academically gifted students of color, with financial need, may attend the college of their choice. Students are also encouraged to continue Robinson's legacy of commitment to social causes and "giving back" to the community. Since its founding, more than 730 students have received scholarship awards from JRF.