Original circa early 1960s reel-to-reel audio tape (¼˝) of WDAS radio personality Joe Rainey's interview with Jackie Robinson, approximately 28 minutes long, discussing his post-baseball career as vice president of personnel at Chock Full o’ Nuts, highlighting the company’s emphasis on cleanliness, employee standards, and careful expansion, including new stores in Philadelphia and growing national coffee sales. He reflects candidly on the challenges of management, especially firing employees, and stresses the value of dedication and hard work.
Beyond business, Robinson speaks passionately about social and political issues. He argues that teachers are severely underpaid and that society’s reluctance to support higher taxes for education ultimately harms children and the nation’s future. Politically, Robinson expresses support for Richard Nixon, criticizing Democrats—particularly President Kennedy—for taking Black voters for granted and for delaying action on civil rights issues such as fair housing and the confirmation of Thurgood Marshall. He warns that blocking Marshall’s appointment would be a moral and international disgrace. Robinson says: "The Democrats have taken the Negro vote too much for granted…Certainly President Kennedy has made some wonderful appointments, but I think that we as Negroes have been let down awfully bad because…the Negro vote put him into the office, and I sincerely think that we ought to be able to get something back…if not, then we ought to take a different look at the Democrats and make them understand that unless you follow through, I will cast my vote someplace else."
Finally, he reflects on baseball, saying he has no desire to return to the sport, but expresses hope that Black players will continue to advance into coaching and management roles. He says: "I was very fortunate to be a baseball player and fortunate that it allowed me to go into the position that I am today. But I have no regrets about getting out of baseball…I doubt very seriously if they want me back in baseball. As a matter of fact, I'm told that the Los Angeles Dodgers have none of my records, so I would think this is an indication of the chances I have with getting back into baseball."
He goes on to weigh in on the recent hirings of Buck O'Neill and Gene Baker to coaching positions, responding to whether or not a Black man will ever be hired as a manager in Major League Baseball: "I think it has to happen because baseball players are only interested in whether or not someone can help them make more money. If he's a Negro and he can help him, they'll play ball for them, and I think the club owners are recognizing this. I think Pittsburgh and hiring Gene Baker and now the Cubs have hired O'Neill as a coach. I think you're gonna see more and more of these things happening. I hope it does soon because it will help baseball and I think it will help the country." Overall, the interview portrays Robinson as a thoughtful businessman, thoughtful civil rights advocate, and forward-looking leader beyond the baseball field. In fine condition. Accompanied by a USB drive carrying a digital transfer of the tape's audio.
The interviewer, Joe Rainey, was a pioneering African-American broadcaster at Philadelphia’s WDAS, best known for hosting 'The Listening Post,' one of the first interview talk shows in the United States hosted by a Black broadcaster, giving a powerful platform to civil rights leaders and voices in the community.
