Local resident Marty Erdheim has earned first place in the 2026 Jackie Robinson Essay Contest, leading a group of Westport writers honored for their reflections on the civil rights trailblazer.
Presented by The Westport Library and the Westport Center for Senior Activities, the contest encouraged intergenerational pairs to collaborate on letters addressed to Robinson. The program is a signature part of the Library’s Common Ground Initiative, which focuses on community connection and shared perspectives.
“We saw something really special in this year’s entries,” said Wendy Petty of the Westport Center for Senior Activities. “There was a genuine sense of connection in the writing. In many cases, it felt like a conversation across generations. That is what makes this program so meaningful.”
The awards coincide with the national celebration of Robinson’s historic 1947 debut. Beyond his Hall of Fame baseball career, the contest also highlighted Robinson’s later work as a corporate officer and an advocate for economic empowerment and equal justice.
In addition to Erdheim, the Library recognized Mark Rosenblatt, Tobias Slavin, and AJ Battesby as top finishers. Submissions were judged on their ability to capture Robinson’s enduring impact on personal relationships and social equality.
Detailed information about the Common Ground Initiative and future essay programs can be found through The Westport Library.
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