Mission Statement

The Bill Russell Legacy Project was established to commemorate Bill Russell's achievements as the greatest champion in the history of professional sports, as a national leader in human rights as well as his contributions and impact as a mentor to youth in our community.

Mr. Russell’s legacy on and off the court will be celebrated with a statue in a location of historical significance in the city of Boston in conjunction with the Bill Russell Mentoring Grant program – a program created to ensure Russell's passion for youth development is carried on by expanding the reach and resources for quality mentoring programs in Boston.

News & Events

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Boston, MA, May 17, 2011 - Former Celtics player Bill Russell takes questions from the media at a press conference at Fenway Park about the formation of the Bill Russell Legacy Project, the recently-announced Bill Russell statue, and the recently-announced Mentoring Grant Program. Mayor Thomas Menino (left) and Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca watch. (Photo by Brendan Gauthier/Boston Red Sox)



Boston, MA, May 17, 2011 - Former Celtics player Bill Russell (right) talks with Mayor Thomas Menino (left) and Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca after taking questions from the media at a press conference at Fenway Park about the formation of the Bill Russell Legacy Project, the recently-announced Bill Russell statue, and the recently-announced Mentoring Grant Program. (Photo by Brendan Gauthier/Boston Red Sox)



Boston, MA, May 17, 2011 - Former Boston Celtics player Bill Russell addresses the audience at Mass Mentoring's seventh annual Champions of Mentoring Breakfast after winning the mentoring program's Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo by Brendan Gauthier/Boston Red Sox)



Boston, MA, May 17, 2011 - From Left: Mass Mentoring President and CEO David Shapiro, Celtics Legend Tommy Heinsohn, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, Celtics Co-Owner Steve Pagliuca, former Celtics player Bill Russell, Founder of the Sager Family Foundation and Chairman of Polaroid Bobby Sager,  Russell's daughter Karen Russell, and Don Rodman. Bill Russell took questions from the media at a press conference at Fenway Park the formation of the Bill Russell Legacy Project, the recently-announced Bill Russell statue, and the recently-announced Mentoring Grant Program.



Bill Russell was recently a guest of President Obama at an event during his recent trip to Boston. In reference to the Celtics legend, President Obama said, "[Bill Russell] had always resisted any monument here in Boston and the reason he agreed was because we encouraged everybody to set up a mentorship program in his name along with the statue, which is typical of who he is.


Also read:
Bill Russell’s Legacy Celebrated with a Statue in Boston

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