NBA History Storytellers on CLNS

Bill Russell: A Stand Against Jim Crow - Celtics' Historic Showdown in Lexington, KT


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Dive into an extraordinary moment in NBA history when Bill Russell, a towering figure of the Boston Celtics, took a brave stand against racial segregation. His actions inspired fellow African American Celtics teammates and even the opposing team's Black players, from the St. Louis Hawks, to join him in protest.


Listen to stories of Frank Ramsey (Celtics) and Cliff Hagan (Hawks), former University of Kentucky all-American teammates who faced different experiences due to the racial divide. Uncover the underbelly of the Wildcats' race relations under Coach Adolph Rupp, with the inclusion of a Black player only in 1969.


Experience a retelling of an incident in 1963 when future Hall of Famers, Sam Jones and Thomas "Satch" Sanders, were refused service at a team hotel in Lexington. Hear how a resolute Bill Russell, along with K.C. Jones, took the matter up with Celtics Coach Red Auerbach. Learn about the tension that arose when the players decided to leave Lexington, and how Auerbach pleaded with them to reconsider, citing sold-out seats.


Tune in to listen to Bill Russell himself recount this watershed moment in NBA and American history. (Original release: 2021; Remastered: May 2023)"

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NBA History Storytellers on CLNSBy Nick Gelso, CLNS Media