Although the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum thrives in Kansas City, the demand for Negro Leagues history is international. Thus, the NLB museum has crafted a number of exhibits to take the history beyond its main gallery and explore diverse themes within the story of black baseball.

In association with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Rider University will be one of the stops of the traveling exhibit for four weeks, beginning with an opening reception on Wednesday, October 16 and panel discussions Wednesday and Thursday, October 16-17.

“This year’s theme in Multicultural Affairs describes social justice issues surrounding sports and entertainment,” said Pamela Pruitt, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Rider. “We wanted to give our students and others the opportunity to hear first-hand that the journey to "here and now" wasn't as easy as it may seem.”

The theme of the exhibit is DISCOVER GREATNESS: An Illustrated History of the Negro Baseball Leagues.

Since 1993, this exhibit has traveled nationally to help bring the rich history of black baseball to hundreds of people outside of Kansas City. “Discover Greatness” features close to 90-framed photographs showcasing the history of African-American Baseball from the late 1800s-1960s. The exhibit is divided into five sections: Pre-1900: The Beginnings of Black Baseball, 1901-1919: The Great Independents, 1920-1931: A League of Their Own, 1932-1946: Heyday and 1947: The Color Line Falls.

The exhibit also includes video on the museum, pennants and replica posters.

As part of this event the screening of the movie “42” will take place Sunday, October 13 (Yvonne Theater), Wednesday, October 16 (BLC Theater) and Thursday, October 17 (BLC Theater).

The movie 42 takes place in 1947. Branch Rickey put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball's infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing blatant racism from every side, even his own team, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey's hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

On Wednesday (5:30 pm SRC Seminar Room) the opening panel discussion will include Pedro Sierra, the first Cuban to play in the Negro Leagues, Bob Kendrick, Chair of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and Barry Davis, Rider head baseball coach.

A lecture on Social Justice Issues in the history of Sports, dealing primarily with baseball and basketball, will be given Thursday at 11:30am in Sweigart Auditorium. Rider head basketball coach Kevin Baggett, along with author Michael Long and historian Dr. Larry Hogan will be on the panel.

Long wrote Beyond Home Plate, Jackie Robinson on Life and Baseball.

The highlight of the event is an evening with Sharon Robinson, Jackie Robinson’s daughter, which will take place Thursday at 7pm in the BLC Theater.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pedro Sierra, Sharon Robinson, and all of our guests to Rider who will offer a close look at those times and how we have evolved to where we are today,” Pruitt said.

Whether you are a baseball fan, a history fan or just a fan of greatness, this is one exhibit you should discover.