![]() ![]() In 2011, Obama awarded Russell the Medal of Freedom alongside Congressman John Lewis, billionaire investor Warren Buffett, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and baseball great Stan Musial. He was at the March on Washington in 1963, when King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, and he backed Ali when the boxer was pilloried for refusing induction into the military draft. Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead.”Ī Louisiana native, Russell also left a lasting mark as a Black athlete in a city - and country - where race is often a flash point. “As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher - both as a player and as a person. Reaction poured in Sunday, from Obama to Michael Jordan, from Magic Johnson to Boston’s Mayor, Michelle Wu. ![]() ![]() “Bill Russell is one of the greatest athletes in our history - an all-time champion of champions, and a good man and great American who did everything he could to deliver the promise of America for all Americans,” Biden said. In a statement released by the White House, President Joe Biden praised Russell for his lifelong work in civil right as well as in sports, and called him “a towering champion for freedom, equality, and justice.” More importantly, he added: “Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league.” “Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. ![]()
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