Boston Celtics legend and civil rights pioneer Bill Russell is set to have a bridge in the heart of Boston named after him. The North Washington Street Bridge, connecting Charlestown to the city’s West and North ends, is currently undergoing reconstruction and will be renamed the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge upon completion this spring.
The honor is in recognition of Russell’s dedication to civil rights and his work with Boston’s youth and young athletes. Russell, who won 11 NBA titles and five MVPs, made history as the first black head coach in a major U.S. sport. He passed away on August 1, 2022, at the age of 88.
The renaming ceremony is expected to include Russell’s widow Jeannine, current and former Celtics players, team leadership, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. The announcement will take place as the Celtics begin their title defense this week.
The William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge will also feature the city’s first dedicated bus lane on a bridge and local landscaping, making it a unique addition to the city’s infrastructure. The bridge will span the same body of water as the Ted Williams Tunnel, adding to Boston’s legacy of naming crossings after sports legends.
The renaming of the bridge is a fitting tribute to Russell’s legacy both in sports and civil rights, honoring his contributions to Boston and beyond.
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