BILL RUSSELL
ON & OFF
THE COURT
Bill Russell receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom 15 February 2011
“Bill Russell, the man, is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men.’’ He marched with King; he stood by Ali. When a restaurant refused to serve the black Celtics, he refused to play in the scheduled game. He endured insults and vandalism, but he kept on focusing on making the teammates who he loved better players, and made possible the success of so many who would follow. I hope that one day, in the streets of Boston, children will look up at a statue built not only to Bill Russell the player, but Bill Russell the man.’’
~ President Barack Obama
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boston globe
