With Jackie Robinson in the spotlight thanks to the release of the movie “42,” community leaders in Brooklyn, including councilman Jumaane D. Williams, have begun to seek “landmark” status on 5224 Tilden Avenue in Brooklyn, better known as the Jackie Robinson House. Robinson lived in the house from 1947 to 1949.
Council Member Williams declared that achieving city landmark status for the property would help safeguard the house’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage, help stabilize and improve property values in the surrounding area, and encourage civic pride. The news comes a day before the theatrical release of “42”, a biographical film about the life of the baseball great and civil rights pioneer.
“Heroes like Jackie Robinson come from East Flatbush, and we need to treasure and preserve that history,” said Council Member Williams. “This house is proof of the rich culture that exists south of Eastern Parkway. Jackie had an impact on the lives of every member of this community through his bravery on and off the field. We must protect that legacy for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
The landmark status has been backed by Brooklyn borough President Marty Markowitz and numerous community leaders throughout Brooklyn.
Read More: Brooklyn Eagle — Effort underway to landmark Jackie Robinson house
