Former Boston Celtics’ Captain Bill Russell is one of fifteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Russell led the Celtics to a virtually unparalleled string of eleven championships in thirteen years and was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player five times. The first African American to coach in the NBA—indeed he was the first to coach a major sport at the professional level in the United States—Bill Russell is also an impassioned advocate of human rights. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been a consistent advocate of equality.
The Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Other named recipients include former President George H. W. Bush, Congressman John Lewis, Chancellor Angela Merkel (Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany), Dr. Maya Angelou, John H. Adams (Natural Resources Defense Council), Warren Buffett, and artist Jasper Johns.
The awards will be presented at a White House ceremony early next year.
Maybe Shaq will get his chance to visit the White House after all.
The Washington Wizards face the Boston Celtics tonight in Boston, coming off a huge 109-94 win over Toronto last evening at home.
**Update** Boston defeats Washington 114-83.
**Update 2** - Our coverage of Russell receiving Medal of Freedom here.
Russell led the Celtics to a virtually unparalleled string of eleven championships in thirteen years and was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player five times. The first African American to coach in the NBA—indeed he was the first to coach a major sport at the professional level in the United States—Bill Russell is also an impassioned advocate of human rights. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been a consistent advocate of equality.The Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Other named recipients include former President George H. W. Bush, Congressman John Lewis, Chancellor Angela Merkel (Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany), Dr. Maya Angelou, John H. Adams (Natural Resources Defense Council), Warren Buffett, and artist Jasper Johns.
The awards will be presented at a White House ceremony early next year.
Maybe Shaq will get his chance to visit the White House after all.
The Washington Wizards face the Boston Celtics tonight in Boston, coming off a huge 109-94 win over Toronto last evening at home.
**Update** Boston defeats Washington 114-83.
**Update 2** - Our coverage of Russell receiving Medal of Freedom here.
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