Boston’s about to make a slam dunk of a tribute, and it’s not just for the hoops.
Bridge to Legacy: Bill Russell’s Name in Lights
Boston’s North Washington Street Bridge is getting a new name, folks! Soon, it’ll be known as the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge. This isn’t just about honoring a Celtics legend; it’s a nod to his phenomenal work off the court. The bridge, which has been under construction since 2018, will finally see the light of day this spring. Connecting Charlestown and the North End, it stretches a cool 1,087 feet across the Charles River.
The big day is set for Monday, Oct. 21. Expect to see Russell’s widow, Jeannine, some Celtics stars from past and present, and Mayor Michelle Wu at the ceremony. But here’s the twist—Wu says this isn’t about basketball glory. Nope, it’s all about Russell’s civil rights activism. He was a unifying force in a racially divided city and even became the first NBA player to visit Africa back in 1959. Now that’s legendary.
Standing Tall: Russell’s Fight for Equality
Russell wasn’t just a giant on the court; he was a towering figure in the fight for justice. He once walked out of a game in 1971 when a coffee shop in Lexington, Kentucky, refused service to his teammates. And let’s not forget his march alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington, D.C., in 1963, or his support for Muhammad Ali at the Cleveland Summit in 1967. I think Russell’s courage was as impressive as his rebounding skills. What do you think?
He knew the struggle firsthand. His father faced blatant racism at a gas station, and Russell himself dealt with racial slurs from fans and segregation during away games. Yet, he never backed down. As President Obama said after Russell’s passing in 2022, “For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right.”
More Than Just Rings: Russell’s Unmatched Career
Okay, let’s talk hoops. Russell’s resume? Unbelievable. Eleven NBA championships with the Celtics from ’56 to ’69. Three of those came while he was also the head coach—making him the first Black head coach in a major U.S. sport. And if that wasn’t enough, he snagged 12 All-Star selections and five MVPs. Oh, and the NBA Finals MVP award? Yeah, that’s named after him too.
His iconic No. 6 jersey was retired by all NBA teams after he passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88. Speaking of numbers, did you catch that wild stat about Curry’s shooting percentage last season? Anyway…
Russell’s legacy isn’t just about the banners hanging in the rafters; it’s about the barriers he broke and the lives he touched. So, what do you think? Will this bridge become a new landmark for Boston, or just another stop on the tourist trail?
