The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created history in itself.

The conflicting messages came as President Trump has been targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs for removal.

A version of this story previously appeared on MiLB.com in 2007. We present it again as Minor League Baseball celebrates Black History Month with stories of Black baseball pioneers.

A version of this story originally appeared on MiLB.com in 2006. We present it here once more as Minor League Baseball celebrates Black History Month with stories of Black baseball pioneers.