What did Bill Russell DO to change race relations in America?

Question

I understand how much was done to him, but what put him apart from others? Men like Muhhamed Ali actually did things,.What did RUssell do?

Name a few of his actions.

... Other than change basketball forever with his defense.

Answer 1

For one thing, he became the first African American head coach of a major league sports team. And won two titles as a player/coach to boot.

It helped that he had a pretty good center.

But within a few years, other blacks were given the opportunity to coach in the NBA...men like KC Jones and Lenny Wilkens. But Russell was the first.

Within 10 years of Russell's appointment as head coach, major league baseball followed suit, and Frank Robinson became the first black manager in baseball.

Playing in Boston, there really wasn't a whole lot he could do to change the racial attitudes of the people in that city. I'm sure you're aware of the things that were done to him, his family and his home while he lived there. All this while leading the Celtics to title after title after title after title...

Russell handled the racism he faced rather privately, although he did participate in some civil rights marches and events. He also spoke about race relations a lot while visiting and speaking at colleges and universities. (in fact, it was at one of these speeches, in Wisconsin in 1969, that Russell, while speaking about race relations, answered a basketball question.. Russell made the famous comments that ended, for 20 years, his long-time friendship with Wilt Chamberlain).

It was Russell's answer to the basketball question, not any of his comments on race relations, that made the headlines.

The betterment of race relations was a long, slow process, and everyone did things in their own way, including Russell. He didn't use the media in the same way Ali did, but then, who could? Russell's approach was more of a grass-roots thing, and he tried his best to reach young people.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, not a lot...or as much as he could have done. Granted, he's one of the best that's ever played the game, physically and mentally, but he's always come across as just standing there saying: "I told you a black man could beat you!"
An absolutely great player, but no Mohamed Ali when it came to race relations.

Answer 3

he was the best player on a team from a predominately white city(boston). he was also the first black head coach in the nba. lastly, he won 13 championships and proved(to racists) that a black man could lead a team with intelligence and hard work.