12:16 PM ET

The Black 14 were kicked off the Wyoming team in 1969 for protesting a Mormon church policy that prevented black men from becoming priests.

Mel and John will serve as "Y Lighters" and be honored before the game. The school's Black Student Alliance protested against the Mormon church's priest policy by wearing black armbands for the game. They were kicked off the team.

The Black 14 formed a philanthropic organization in order to serve communities in need. The group delivered more than 180 tons of food in eight states.

A documentary about the Black 14 and its work with LDS charities was shown to coaches and athletes at the school. A number of discussions and presentations have taken place at the campus of the Mormon church. They will be on the field for the first time in almost 50 years.

It took me a long time to tell my story, I was angry for a long time. When Mel reached out to Gifford, we formed a partnership that would give back food to people in need. Something special has grown from that relationship. It was a tragedy that turned into philanthropy when we were in 1969. We aren't done yet and that's what we've done.

Kevin Worthen said, "We can get a lot done for our communities to help them but also help heal the wounds that have been felt in the past."

The Black 14 were honored after Duke volleyball player Rachel Richardson said she heard a racial slur directed at her during a game. There was no evidence of racial heckling found in a thorough review by the Mormon church. Immediately after Richardson's allegations, the school banned fans from athletic events.