College Township near State College in Centre County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Champions for Equality
Demonstrating that sport can be a powerful force for social change, Penn State led the way in breaking the color barrier in intercollegiate football in the south. By the players' own decision, the team refused an offer to play a segregated deep south opponent in 1946. The Nittany Lions then became the first team to field African American players in the Cotton Bowl in 1948 and the Gator Bowl in 1971.
Erected by Penn State Alumni Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania State University series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.
Location. 40° 48.631′ N, 77° 51.349′ W. Marker is near State College, Pennsylvania, in Centre County. It is in College Township. Marker is on Curtin Road, 0.2 miles south of Porter Road, on the right when traveling south. Located near Beaver Stadium on Penn State University's Campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Curtin Rd, State College PA 16801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Big Ten (within shouting distance of this marker); Student Section (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); We Are Penn State (approx. 0.2 miles away); USS Pennsylvania (approx. 0.4 miles away); Atoms for Peace (approx. 0.4 miles away); Miller Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Creamery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Harris Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in State College.
More about this marker. Part of the Penn State Historical Marker program
Also see . . . Penn State Athletics - Men's Football. School website entry (Submitted on May 29, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 426 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.