Former Iona Basketball Player Honored As University Of Mississippi Gestures To Heal Racism

In 1957, Stanley Hill was the only Black player on the Iona basketball team. That year the governor of Mississippi refused to let the University of Mississippi play Iona because it was an integrated team.

Hill, who said he was "hurt and humiliated," was recently invited to watch Iona play Mississippi in Kansas City, MO, during the first round of the NCAA tournament as a gesture to heal a 44-year-old wound from the days of segregation.

Hill and his wife, Ruby, accepted an invitation from Mississippi Chancellor Robert Khayat to be the guest of Ole Miss at the game. Also, a day prior, Hill got a game ball presented by coach Rod Barnes and signed by the entire Ole Miss team.

"This is an incredible feeling. I'm just proud to be here. It brings back history," said the 64-year-old Hill. "It gives me an opportunity to say to my grandkids how important history is and what has been accomplished in the last 44 years.

"It was a tough time for me. I was only 20 years old. I learned a lot and understood how important it was to go from there and learn ... and not be bitter."