Watch as Major League Baseball player, civil rights activist, and World War II veteran Lawrence Eugene “Larry” Doby is posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday, 13 December.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and members of Congress were due to participate in today's ceremony
Doby was the first Black player to play in the American League in 1947, and the second Black baseball player to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era after Jackie Robinson.
Ahead of the ceremony, Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr said: "At long last, Paterson’s favorite son Larry Doby will be recognised by the United States government.
“What Larry faced would have broken most men and women: unspeakable racism, threats of violence, and shunning opponents and even from his teammates. Larry endured and thrived because of unshakable courage and incredible character. Larry’s strength and stardom in Major League Baseball played a pivotal role in helping advance American civil rights forward toward freedom and equality for millions of Black Americans."
