Michelle Obama Hosts ’42’ Screening With Jackie Robinson’s Widow

Apr 03, 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama hosted 80 high school and college students from across the country for a screening of "42" at the White House on Monday. "42" tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play major league baseball. Alongside the students were guests Harrison Ford, Chadwick Boseman and Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson. "Jackie and Rachel Robinson weren’t destined for greatness — they prepared themselves for greatness, which meant that they could make a difference outside of baseball, as well. And that is the only thing that is important for you to understand," the First Lady told the young crowd. "You can be great in your profession, you can earn a lot of money, you can be famous, but the question is what are you doing for others." The students at the screening traveled to the White House from Thurgood Marshall Academy in Washington, DC; Watkins Mill High School in Gaithersburg, MD; TC Williams High School in Alexandria, VA and Amino Jackie Robinson Charter High School in Los Angeles, CA. The First Lady told the students both she and President Obama found the film was "very powerful" when they watched it over the weekend.