VIDEO: MSU’s First African-American Athletes Honored Before Egg Bowl

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Before Thursday’s Egg Bowl kickoff two former Mississippi State University players were honored with the dedication of the Dowsing-Bell Plaza.

Frank Dowsing Jr. and Robert Bell were the first African American athletes who played for state.

The Dowsing-Bell Plaza was dedicated on the north end of Davis Wade Stadium in their honor.

47 years ago to the night, Dowsing had one of the most memorable plays when his interception in the endzone sealed a 19-14 victory for the bulldogs.

MSU President Mark Keenum says they paved the way for athletics at state.

“It took their courage, leadership and conviction to come and set the example. To this very day our university is the most diverse university in all the southeastern conference, and they paved the way for us to be able to say that today,” said Keenum.

Athletic Director John Cohen says Dowsing and Bell will never be forgotten.

Categories: Local News

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