Rev. Jesse Jackson will be the keynote speaker at the International Bowl kickoff luncheon Jan. 2, event organizers announced yesterday.

The University at Buffalo Bulls and Connecticut Huskies will meet in the bowl game at Rogers Centre on Jan. 3. The American civil rights leader will appear at the luncheon in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the 1958 University at Buffalo’s declining to participate in the Tangerine Bowl because of a rule that barred black players from competing.   The team unanimously voted against taking part if players Willie Evans and Mike Wilson weren’t allowed to participate.

“Rev. Jackson has been a major proponent in the advancement of human rights and equality,” International Bowl president Don Loding said.