Question

read the excerpt from jackie robinsons letter to president eisenhower.

as the chief executive of our nation, i respectfully suggest that you unwittingly crush the spirit of freedom in negroes by constantly urging forbearance and give hope to those pro-segregation leaders like governor faubus who would take from us even those freedoms we now enjoy. your own experience with governor faubus is proof enough that forbearance and not eventual integration is the goal the pro-segregation leaders seek.

which best explains the purpose of robinsons letter?

to appeal to president eisenhower for the termination of governor faubus from public office
to bring the problem of inequality among african american communities to president eisenhowers attention
to request immediate action from president eisenhower in furthering equal rights for african americans
to ask president eisenhower about the eventual removal of all jim crow laws

Explanation:

Analyze the excerpt's central argument

Using the Jackie Robinson Letter Analysis knowledge point
Robinson addresses President Eisenhower directly, warning that urging "forbearance" (patience/waiting) "unwittingly crush[es] the spirit of freedom" and empowers pro-segregationists like Governor Faubus. He argues that waiting is not a path to integration, but rather a delay tactic used by segregationists to deny African Americans their rights.

Determine the author's primary objective

Using the Authorial Purpose knowledge point
By criticizing the call for "forbearance" and pointing out that segregationists seek to block integration entirely, Robinson is urging the President to stop asking African Americans to wait. Instead, he is calling for immediate, decisive federal action to protect and advance equal rights rather than allowing gradualism to stall progress.

Evaluate the answer choices

• Option 1: "to appeal to President Eisenhower for the termination of Governor Faubus..." — Incorrect. The President does not have the constitutional authority to terminate a state governor from public office, nor does Robinson ask for this.
• Option 2: "to bring the problem of inequality among African American communities to President Eisenhower's attention" — Incorrect. Eisenhower was already well aware of the civil rights movement; Robinson's letter is a direct call to change executive strategy, not a basic informational notice.
• Option 3: "to request immediate action from President Eisenhower in furthering equal rights for African Americans" — Correct. By arguing against "forbearance" (waiting), Robinson is directly advocating for immediate federal intervention and action.
• Option 4: "to ask President Eisenhower about the eventual removal of all Jim Crow laws" — Incorrect. Robinson is not asking a passive question about future plans; he is actively demanding a shift in policy and immediate action.

Answer:

• to appeal to President Eisenhower for the termination of Governor Faubus from public office
• to bring the problem of inequality among African American communities to President Eisenhower's attention
• to request immediate action from President Eisenhower in furthering equal rights for African Americans (Correct answer)
• to ask President Eisenhower about the eventual removal of all Jim Crow laws