Bill Russell (Born in 1934)

Bill Russell was the first American American player to achieve superstar status in the National Basketball Association. He played as a center for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969. He is a five-time most valuable NBA player winner, and was at the center of his team, the Celtics, winning eleven NBA championships during his 13 years on the team.

He was also the first African American to coach a professional sports team in the United States when he became the Celtics coach. Passionate about social issues, Russell spoke up about the war and supported the American Civil Rights Movement. Now retired, he remains one of the NBA’s greats.