Holly Tree Elementary students learn about the life of Jackie Robinson

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One of the most famous baseball players of all time was the topic of conversation at Holly Tree Elementary School Monday afternoon as students learned about the life of Jackie Robinson.

Derrick Jones is a self-proclaimed history buff, specializing in Negro League baseball players like Robinson.

He told the tale of Robinson’s journey to the big leagues and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.

Some of the students were asked to help Jones by dressing up as Robinson and his wife during various parts of the story.

Jones says the challenges Robinson endured can teach the kids a lesson about how to live their own lives.

“All individuals, when they’re young, they’re trying to learn their way through life. He did that. If they can hear the inspirational component of his life, they’ll learn that he is someone that they can idolize as well,” Jones said.

Jones’ mother lived in Wilmington, so he has family ties to the area. He says whenever he is here for a visit, he loves teaching kids about history.