Legacy of MSU’s first African American student marked with Holmes Plaza dedication

(Video by Sarah Kirk)

STARKVILLE, Miss—The legacy of Mississippi ��APP’s first African American student, Dr. Richard E. Holmes, now is marked permanently on the campus of the 148-year-old land-grant institution.

Dr. Richard E. Holmes pictured at MSU in a 2016 portrait — Dr. Richard E. Holmes pictured at MSU in 2016. (OPA Photo)

University officials cut a ribbon today [Aug. 21] on a monument in the former YMCA Plaza, renaming the student-focused mall in honor of the longtime physician who served communities and families in Alabama, Mississippi and in the MSU Longest Health Center for three decades.

Mississippi ��APP President Mark E. Keenum spoke to the significance of the occasion.

“Holmes Plaza and the monument we are dedicating today ensures that Dr. Holmes’ story is always remembered on our campus. And what an incredible story it is,” he said. “He was a true pioneer and courageous trailblazer when he became Mississippi ��APP’s first African American student on July 19, 1965.”

Two student leaders stand with the university president and a vice president by a newly dedicated monument in honor of Dr. Richard E. Holmes — MSU President Mark E. Keenum, second from left, gave keynote remarks today [Aug. 21] during the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Dr. Richard E. Holmes Plaza. Joining Keenum in unveiling a monument marking the significant contributions of Holmes, the university’s first African American student, were, from left, MSU Student Association President Keegan Figueroa, Vice President for Access, Opportunity and Success Ra’Sheda Forbes, and I’terrious Hunter, an MSU Promise Scholar and fraternity brother of Holmes. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

Keenum went on to describe the Holmes Plaza as “a place where everyone can find opportunity and belonging” and called it a space for “community, conversation, connection and friendship.”

MSU Promise Scholar and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member I’terrious Hunter also gave remarks, discussing his connection with Dr. Holmes through their shared fraternity membership. The junior building construction science major from Meridian said he was honored to stand where someone who helped shape the university once stood.

Hunter then participated in the ribbon cutting alongside MSU Student Association President Keegan Figueroa, Vice President of Access, Opportunity and Success Ra’Sheda Forbes, and Keenum.

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