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The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks unanimously voted to award Alfred Williams the Mississippi Outstanding Sportsman Award in recognition of his achievements as a promoter of fisheries and conservation, and for breaking barriers in bass fishing.
The Mississippi Outstanding Sportsman is awarded to someone who has contributed to the outdoors of Mississippi through conservation, mentorship, and stewardship.
After returning from a tour during the Vietnam War, Williams began fishing bass tournaments, often as the only African-American competitor, and securing an impressive number of wins. He then joined a local B.A.S.S. Nation bass club, made the Mississippi State team, and then won the 1983 Bassmaster Classic divisional qualifier on Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Williams earned a berth in the Classic that year on the Ohio River at Cincinnati, Ohio, making history as the first African-American angler to ever qualify for the prestigious championship. He finished 10th out of 42 contenders, ranking ahead of Hank Parker, Rick, Clunn, Denny Brauer and Rolan Martin. His success attracted many more African-American anglers to bass fishing and paved the way for Ish Monroe, Mark Daniels Jr. and other African-American pro anglers.
Over his long career, Williams competed in nearly 300 Bassmaster and FLW events, winning four pro-level contests and earning numerous Top 10s. He continues to serve as a mentor and role model to other African-American anglers in Mississippi and throughout the nation. Recently, Williams was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
“On behalf of The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Alfred Williams for his enduring commitment to the sport of bass fishing while also contributing to conservation and preserving our state’s natural resources.” said MDWFP Executive Director, Lynn Posey.
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Well deserved – Mr Williams is not only an outstanding sportsman, but a genuinely nice gentleman. I’ve known him from the late 70’s and haven’t seen him in several decades and this was a nice bit of news to come across!