U.S. basketball legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell has died at the age of 88.  As a player, he helped transform the game as he led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.  In 1967, Bill Russell became the NBA’s first Black coach.  

Boston, August 2 (RHC)-- U.S. basketball legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell has died at the age of 88.  As a player, he helped transform the game as he led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.  In 1967, Bill Russell became the NBA’s first Black coach.  

Off the court, Russell was a longtime civil rights advocate.  In 1961, he led a boycott of a game in Kentucky after two of his Black teammates were denied service at their hotel. 

In 1963, Russell participated in the March on Washington.  He also spoke out against school segregation and racism in Boston, which he described as a “traumatizing” place to live.