Reggie Jackson

“racism I received in the 1960s.”

Reggie Jackson · said 2026-11-07 · reported 2026-11-08

Jackson compared antisemitism in his native Pennsylvania to the racism he experienced in the 1960s.

“I would walk into restaurants, they would point at me and say ‘that n----- can’t eat here.’ I would go to a hotel, and they’d say ‘that n----- can’t stay here.’ We went to [former A's owner] Charlie Finley’s country club for a welcome-home dinner, and they pointed me out with the n-word, ‘he can’t come in here …'”

Reggie Jackson · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08

Jackson described being refused service at restaurants, hotels, and a country club while playing in Birmingham.

“The racism when I played here, the difficulty of going through different places where we traveled … I wouldn’t wish it on anybody,”

Reggie Jackson · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08

Jackson recalled the racism he experienced while playing for the Birmingham Black Barons during MLB's inaugural trip to Rickwood Field in 2024.

“It takes me back to the racism I experienced in the 1960s: signs throughout the South declaring that Black people could be refused service, along with separate 'white' and 'colored' signs on bathrooms and drinking fountains, 'no n—s.' I remember what that hatred looked and felt like. We cannot accept it in any form, directed at any people,”

Reggie Jackson · said 2026-11-07 · reported 2026-11-08

Jackson wrote this in a social media post linking to the Anti-Defamation League's website about rising antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania.

“I wish I could be there to stand with those protesting HATE. I am asking elected officials and other leaders in Philadelphia: Where are the clear statements condemning antisemitism? When hateful language is excused or repeated, it can make hostility seem acceptable and deepen fear and division. Leaders should speak plainly and consistently: antisemitism and hate have no place in our communities. What the hell? We have to speak up,”

Reggie Jackson · said 2026-11-07 · reported 2026-11-08

Jackson called out elected officials and leaders in Philadelphia for not clearly condemning antisemitism.

“Had it not been for Rollie Fingers, Johnny McNamara, Dave Duncan, Joe and Sharron Rudy, I slept on their couch three or four nights a week for about a month and a half. Finally, they threatened to burn our apartment complex down unless I got out. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”

Reggie Jackson · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08

Jackson recounted relying on teammates and others for shelter after threats to burn down his apartment complex.