Jackson
progressed through the minor leagues, but not without racial challenges. Jackson
faced his greatest challenges with the Athletics Double-A minor league team in
Birmingham, Alabama. Jackson received many racist names while playing along with
off the field challenges as well. Jackson’s routine was to take a cab to the
ball field, play baseball, take a cab back to the hotel and eat alone in his
room. It was strongly advised that Jackson not go out at night or even drive
himself places.

Jackson loathed himself for how he
responded to the treatment he received. He was tired of giving the “Yes, sir’s”
and “No, sir’s” type of responses from any kind of treatment. This is comparable
to how Jackie Robinson acted in his first seasons with the Dodgers; they both
took the banter without any retaliation. “Reggie’s desire for self-preservation
trumped the rudiments of black activism he had within him. Hatred was right in
his face most of the day, but never once did he defend himself or demand to be
treated as a man” (Perry, 39). When Jackson is promoted to the Major Leagues, he does
everything he can to make it up for his passive behavior.