Also American

Person · 1934–2022

Bill Russell

The 11-time NBA champion and first Black head coach in major American pro sports — and a civil-rights leader.

A giant of [[black-sports]].

Bill Russell anchored the Boston Celtics' dynasty and, in 1966, became the first Black head coach in a major U.S. league, all while marching for civil rights and speaking out against racism on and off the court.

Sport

On the timeline

  1. April 18, 1966
    Bill Russell, first Black NBA head coach

    Russell breaks the coaching color line in major American sports.

Resources