Beyond the day to day accomplishments of Negro players on the field and their contributions to the national pastime, the Negro Leagues made significant contributions to the black community, and thereby to all America, in at least three areas - civic activism, social activism and cultural pride.

Just as the mainstream American entertainment industry has a history of active participation in civic projects, Negro League team owners were quick to commit their resources to the support of worthwhile civic projects.

Many Negro League figures used their positions of visibility in the community to promote social justice.

Effa Manley, controversial wife of Newark Eagles owner Abe Manley, was especially active in the movement for civil rights during the 1940s. An active member of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Mrs. Manley frequently sponsored events to benefit that organization's operations. Eagles' games raised thousands of dollars for the struggle to bring before the public the horror of lynchings in the South and to support the educational and political efforts of the NAACP.
(Mills, 1999)