Yesterday, President Obama honored former Negro League players for their contributions to African American history.

Veterans of the league were celebrated for their strength and endurance, and for paving the way for future African Americans professional athletes.

 

Minnie Forbes, the only living female owner of a Negro League team, compared how different the White House event was to the conditions teams faced in the 1940s and 50s.

 

“It’s just wonderful to see the president, and to know where we came from– we weren’t able to travel and to sleep in hotels and to eat in restaurants,” said Forbes, who owned the Detroit Stars. “Now we’re able to come to the White House and see the president.”

 

Read more at ESSENCE.

 

A great gesture. These players paved the way for so many of our incredible black athletes.

We salute you all!

 

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