Jackie Robinson Foundation lauds Don Newcombe and Suzanne de Passe

Jet, May 29, 2006

Los Angeles Dodgers pitching great Don Newcombe and music/motion picture executive Suzanne de Passe were recently honored for their trailblazing efforts by the Jackie Robinson

Foundation. At a gala, black-tie dinner at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills with the theme of Celebrating Excellence, more than 500 participated in an evening that paid tribute to Newcombe and de Passe's commitment to public service and their carrying on Robinson's philosophy of "a life is not important except in its impact on other lives."

The event, the second to be held in the Los Angeles area, also served as a fundraiser for scholarships for minority students. Since its inception in 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has distributed more than 1,100 scholarships. Currently, 266 Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars attend 93 American colleges and universities.

The event was co-chaired by Jasmine Guy and NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) executive John Vitale. NASDAQ is an electronic stock exchange. The evening's entertainment was provided by Brian McKnight.

Newcombe was a teammate of Jackie Robinson in 1949, two years after Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Newcombe is the only pitcher to have won Rookie of the Year honors in addition to the Cy Young Award (top pitcher) and MVP award. For years he has served as director of com munity relations for the Dodgers.

De Passe for years was an executive at Motown Records and headed Motown Productions. She produced the hit miniseries "Lonesome Dove" and has produced the Essence Awards and the NAACP Image Awards. She currently serves as executive producer of "Showtime at the Apollo," a weekly variety program.

Also participating in the gala were actors James Avery and Isaiah Washington. And a special appearance was made by former NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who introduced Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson (see page 44). It was pointed out during the evening that 40 years ago, Jackie Robinson sent a letter to Jabbar (who was Lew Alcindor then) urging him to attend UCLA and realize the importance of an excellent college education. Jabbar did attend UCLA and led the school to numerous championships.

--Photos by Valerie Goodloe