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Bill Russell is drafted to the NBA
Is drafted to the St. Louis Hawks and is later traded to the Celtics. -
1961 Boston Celtics boycott
Russell's team was scheduled to play in an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky, when Russell and his black teammates were refused service at a local restaurant. -
Basketball camp for all races
After Medgar Evers was murdered in 1963, Russell traveled to Mississippi to work with Evers' brother to open an integrated basketball camp. -
First Black Head Coach
In 1966, Russell was promoted to head coach of the Celtics. -
Cleveland Summit
Bill Russell was among the African-American athletes and the one political leader who came together at the 1967 Cleveland Summit to support Muhammad Ali and his decision to refuse to be drafted. -
Finals MVP is named after Bill Russell
"Starting this year, the Finals MVP will receive the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award." commissioner David Stern announced Saturday. -
Medal of Freedom
In 2011, President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Freedom to Russell in recognition of his fight for civil rights and his successful career in the NBA. -
Life Time Achievement
In 2017, Russell received the NBA’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. He won 11 NBA championships in 13 years playing for the Boston Celtics, more than any other player in history. He was a 12-time All-Star and won five NBA MVP awards. -
Taking a Knee
On September 26, 2017, Russell posted a photograph of himself to a previously unused Twitter account in which he was taking the knee in solidarity with the U.S. national anthem kneeling protests. Russell wore his Presidential Medal of Freedom and the image was captioned: "Proud to take a knee, and to stand tall against social injustice." -
Bill Russell Dies
On July 31 2022 Bill Russell died.