POWER UP LAB

Black History Is Our History

Celebrating Black History Month is not just important for the members of the Players Alliance—it’s essential. For decades, Black History has purposely been left out of American History education in classrooms. It has also been omitted from our game until only recently, with the Negro Leagues now being introduced as part of Major League Baseball. With this change, the legacy of players like Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, and Cool Papa Bell can finally reside where they belong: as Major Leaguers within the official historical record.

A look at our Firside Chat - Watch Now

The Players Alliance joined forces with Microsoft to bring the history of Black baseball into student’s homes and classrooms across the country. Because many museums are closed due to COVID-19, Microsoft has utilized technology to highlight and provide thousands of students (K-12) with the opportunity to go on a virtual tour of the historic Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

This hour-long tour is followed by a virtual fireside chat with an esteemed panel of Players Alliance members including David Price, Tim Anderson, Cole Tucker, CC Sabathia, Amir Garrett, led by moderator Harold Reynolds, to talk about the history of Black baseball. They also discuss their own personal experiences visiting the Negro League Baseball Museum, the mission of The Players Alliance, and the lasting legacy they hope to leave behind for the next generation of Black baseball players.

Additionally, for younger students, we are offering an exclusive experience where MLB Legend, Curtis Granderson, will read aloud “I am Jackie Robinson” by Brad Meltzer.

POWERING UP THE CLASSROOM
In order to succeed on the field, kids need to achieve success in the classroom. As part of February’s month-long campaign, Microsoft helped the Players Alliance launch “Power Up,” an Alliance Access Program initiative to provide digital classrooms to community groups in need, vital to our overall mission of creating all-around All-Stars. Our premier Power Up Labs are located at the following locations: