Frank D. Dowsing (September 3, 1951 - July 11, 1994)[1] was the first African-American to play football for both Tupelo High School and Mississippi State University.
Unlike school integration in many other areas of Mississippi and the South, this was a peaceful event.
Because of a broken jaw, which had been wired shut, Dowsing was unable to speak or practice football at the beginning of school.
Dowsing earned all conference honors in football, basketball, and track, and graduated sixth in his class.
Just before graduation, he married LaFawn Gilliam in the Chapel of Memories at Mississippi State.