The challenges were not Derek's but his parents.
To wit: The challenges confronting the interracial couple were addressed from the outset. Charles and Dorothy understood the risks and faced the issues head-on by raising their children to embrace and appreciate both heritages - white and black - and encouraged them to seek friendships in all races.
As for young Jeter and his sister, Sharlee, who is five years younger, they are oblivious to the circumstances. The friendly and an easy-going attitude of the community, just two hours from Chicago, proves the idyllic tonic to benefit from being kids in a sports town
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One major event would be when Derek passed Lou Gehrig as the all-time Yankees hits leader on September 11, 2009.
Derek Jeter grew up facing racism. He was called derogatory terms because of his African-American heritage.